EUROGLIDER electric glider project enters test phase

Dassault Aviation is participating in the EUROGLIDER project, which aims to develop a two-seater, electrically powered glider intended for flight training. Initiated in partnership with the European Gliding Development Association (AEDEVV) and ISAE engineering schools, the project has now progressed to the experimental test phase.

The EUROGLIDER initiative seeks to align with the aviation sector's transition towards sustainable solutions. The aircraft's electric propulsion system is designed to enable autonomous takeoffs without the need for conventional tow planes, thereby reducing environmental impact and operational costs. The ambition is for the glider to conduct complete training flights autonomously, independent of atmospheric conditions.

The project intends to foster development within the European gliding sector. Many gliding training centers require more efficient training tools, as unfavorable weather can delay student progress and lead to dropouts. The electric glider is expected to double the number of training flights annually and shorten the learning period for pilots.

Developing the aircraft has presented several technical challenges, including optimizing energy density for a glider exceeding 600 kg, designing its aerodynamic structure within weight and wing loading constraints, and ensuring simplicity and reliability in its operational use. Preparations for the industrialization phase of EUROGLIDER are currently underway.