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Project Recognized for Engineering Excellence and Relevance to Sustainable Air Transportation听

Khalifa University has clinched the gold medal in the University Projects Category Category at the International Radio-Controlled Aerobatic Competition in Al Ain, UAE. The winning project, titled 鈥楬ybrid-Electric Propulsion System for VTOL Drones and Sustainable Air Mobility,鈥� was developed by the Aerospace Systems Group and is part of the University鈥檚 flagship FALCON Program, aimed at advancing sustainable aviation technologies.听

Led by Principal Investigator Professor Roberto Sabatini, with contributions from Dr. Alessandro Gardi, Dr. Nour El-Din Safwat, and Ahmed Elmeligy, the project represents a major leap in hybrid aerospace engineering. This success was celebrated by Khalifa University President H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, who also attended the competition.听

The innovation integrates a puller electric motor with a pusher internal combustion engine, powered by renewable energy sources including solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells. The system addresses critical challenges in VTOL drone operations such as limited range and environmental impact, offering a scalable, adaptable solution for the future of urban and regional air mobility.听

The research team also developed real-time software and hardware infrastructure for propulsion and power management, optimizing energy use and performance. The project was recognized not only for its engineering excellence but for its real-world relevance to sustainable air transportation.听

Team NOVAERO from Khalifa University secured second place for their ZENITH project, while another student achieved third place in the Flight Simulator Category, demonstrating Khalifa University鈥檚 depth of talent in aerospace research.听

Khalifa University continues to advance sustainable aviation through ongoing projects such as the 鈥業ntelligent Power and Mission Management System for Hybrid-Electric Air Mobility鈥�, under the Research and Innovation Grant (RIG-2024-030). This initiative focuses on using AI-based avionics to further enhance energy efficiency and propulsion systems.听

Professor Sabatini said: 鈥淏y addressing critical challenges such as limited operational range and environmental impact, this sophisticated propulsion system paves the way for next-generation solutions in sustainable air mobility. The tremendous talent and innovation showcased by our students with the first and second place wins by the FALCON and ZENITH projects, along with the impressive third-place finish in the Flight Simulator Category, are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty.鈥澨�

Alisha Roy
Science Writer听