Innovative D328 UpLift Research Aircraft is ready for ILA 2024 in Berlin

The D328 UpLift flying testbed, a collaboration between Deutsche Aircraft and the German Aerospace Center, will showcase cross-industry German aerospace capabilities, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the German aviation industry. Nico Neumann,Deutsche Aircraft Chief Operating Officer handed over the model UpLift aircraft to the Chairwoman of DLR Executive Board, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, in Braunschweig, Germany. By leveraging the expertise and resources of key stakeholders, the aim of this partnership is to drive innovation in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.

Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, commented: “The D328 UpLift will enable the aviation industry to mature new technologies to make an early impact. This learning curve, based on smaller aircraft, is crucial for scaling technologies.”

The Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, said: “The role of this flying test laboratory is to pave the way for a climate-friendly aviation and a closer collaboration within the aviation industry.” 

Dr. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Strategy, and Industrial Relations at Deutsche Aircraft, remarked: “The challenges that the aviation industry is facing requires a common vision and collaborative efforts with all stakeholders. UpLift will represent a blueprint to jointly demonstrate the feasibility of our industry’s strategic roadmap towards sustainable and near climate neutral aviation.”

The UpLift D328 test platform was unveiled to the general public back in September 2023 during German National Aviation Conference. The UpLift aircraft will continue to undergo significant transformation as a flying testbed until the end of 2025, when it will be used as part of the research into the climate impacts of aviation, particularly greenhouse gases and non-CO2 effects.  

In less than two months, at ILA Berlin 2024 the flying testbed will be showcased at the DLR stand, alongside a model of the interior modifications, including flight test instruments. During this event, industry partners will have the unique opportunity to discuss future research projects. Funded by the German government and led by DLR, the UpLift Program will pave the way for climate-friendly flights which will benefit the global aviation industry. By providing the flying testbed, Deutsche Aircraft has contributed to this shared vision for the future of aviation and the pursuit of near climate-neutral flying.

As the Type Certificate Holder of the D328 family, Deutsche Aircraft is proud that the D328-100 mod 20 was selected as the flying test laboratory for the UpLift Program. This recognition underscores Deutsche Aircraft's commitment to advancing future technologies.