The 75th German Aerospace Congress (DLRK 2026) brought together around 1,150 experts from academia, industry, and institutions in Aachen from September 8 to 10. The record attendance on the occasion of the congress’s 75th anniversary highlighted its importance as a central platform for scientific exchange on current developments and future perspectives in aerospace. Across around 450 presentations and 70 poster contributions, key topics included sustainable aviation, unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, and new technologies for aviation and space.

SynTrac used this opportunity successfully to present its research to the scientific community through presentations and posters. At the same time, the project was represented with a booth in the general congress exhibition area, creating additional opportunities for in-person meetings and scientific exchange.

Several scientific contributions by SynTrac at DLRK 2026 presented its current research into new concepts for highly integrated transport aircraft. Presentations given at DLRK 2026 highlighted research results from different areas of the project, which jointly contribute to the development of more efficient propulsion concepts.

Philipp Heinrich (TU Braunschweig) presented work on the functional integration of pressure-actuated cellular structures for morphing nozzles in ultra-high bypass ratio turbofans and Niko Konrad (University of Stuttgart) showed experimental investigations into the development of velocity fields in a propeller wake.

Furthermore, Maximilian Friedrichs-Dachale (TU Braunschweig) introduced a scale-bridging analysis framework for an aircraft rear fuselage structure with integrated engines and Manuel Zeitler (TU Braunschweig) presented design-driven distortion control strategies for boundary layer ingestion intakes.

The presentations were complemented by SynTrac contributions to the poster sessions at the DLRK. The thematic scope of the contributions showcased the integrated interdisciplinary approach at the heart of the SynTrac project, recognizing that modern aircraft are not developed within a single discipline, but through the close collaboration of numerous specialized fields.

In addition to the technical presentations, SynTrac Principal Investigator Jens Friedrichs (TU Braunschweig) joined Peter Jeschke from RWTH Aachen University for the discussion “Aircraft Propulsion – Quo Vadis” during which they highlighted the importance of joint-up approaches – such as SynTrac – to developing future technologies.

Through its active participation, SynTrac was proud to contributed to this successful event, which continues to provide an excellent platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and perspectives.

During DLRK 2026 in Aachen, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rolf Radespiel, a member of the SynTrac team, was honored with the Ludwig Prandtl Ring. Awarded by the German Aerospace Society (DGLR), this is its highest distinction in the field of aeronautics. It is presented annually to an individual whose outstanding original work across all aerospace disciplines has significantly advanced the field.

Roland Gerhards, the president of the German Society for Aeronautics and and Astronautics, presented Rolf Radespiel with the Ludwig-Prandtl-Ring, while Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schröder, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, gave the laudation that highlighted Rolf Radespiel’s exemplary contributions to the his field.

The award’s history dates back to 1956, when it was established by the Scientific Society for Aviation (Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Luftfahrt – WGL) in honor of the pioneer Ludwig Prandtl. More than just a trophy, the ring’s symbolism merges tradition with scientific spirit: the embedded rock crystal symbolizes altitude and the air, while the eagle, based on an ancient fibula from the Migration Period, is one of the earliest symbols of flight, representing freedom as well as the intellect.

SynTrac was proudly represented at ILA Berlin 2026 as part of a joint exhibition stand organized by LR BW – Forum Luft- und Raumfahrt Baden-Württemberg e.V., using one of the world’s leading aerospace trade fairs as an important platform for visibility, networking, and exchange. Throughout the event, project team members presented SynTrac’s research activities to a broad audience and engaged in numerous discussions with representatives from industry, academia, government, and public institutions.

In addition to staffing the stand, SynTrac team members actively explored the exhibition grounds, connecting with stakeholders across the aerospace sector, strengthening existing relationships, and establishing new contacts. These interactions provided valuable insights into current developments and future trends while creating opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The joint stand also welcomed several distinguished political guests. Among them was Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Cem Özdemir, who learned about the research activities and innovations presented at the stand. SynTrac was also pleased to welcome the Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut whose visit highlighted the importance of ground-breaking research and innovation in shaping a sustainable and competitive future for aviation.

Despite exceptionally high summer temperatures, the University of Stuttgart’s Science Day 2026 attracted large numbers of visitors eager to explore the latest developments in science and research. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, the event once again demonstrated how research can be made accessible and engaging for all ages.

As part of SynTrac’s public outreach activities, the Science Lab invited visitors to experience the principles of sustainable aviation through an interactive flight simulation. Using a rowing ergometer, participants generated the energy needed to “power” a passenger aircraft into flight before repeating the challenge with the SynTrac concept aircraft, representing the next generation of highly integrated, energy-efficient aircraft systems.

The difference was immediately apparent: achieving the same flight performance required significantly less effort with the SynTrac concept. The demonstration provided a tangible illustration of how integrated aircraft and propulsion design can reduce energy demand and contribute to more sustainable aviation.

Visitors interested in learning more explored the SynTrac project through displays and an SynTrac film presenting the project’s objectives, interdisciplinary research approach, and vision for the future of aviation. Together with the hands-on exhibit, these materials offered a deeper understanding of the science behind the concept.

A live leaderboard added a friendly competitive element, while many visitors took the opportunity to discuss future aircraft technologies, sustainable aviation, and climate-friendly mobility with the SynTrac researchers. The booth became a lively space for both interactive learning and engaging conversations.

As part of SynTrac Project A02, “Simulation of Aircraft Flow Losses,” Myles Zabel recently visited ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France, to participate in the course “Analyse aérodynamique basée sur l’exergie” (Exergy-Based Aerodynamic Analysis) by Miguel Aguirre. The course was organized within the framework of ISAE Mobility Week and brought together students from across the ISAE Group to explore advanced approaches to aerodynamic performance assessment.

A central focus of the course was the application of modern exergy-based methods for aerodynamic analysis. Participants gained insights into the theoretical foundations of these approaches while also working hands-on with the open-source post-processing tool EPSILON. By combining lectures, practical exercises, and collaborative discussions, the course provided an excellent opportunity to deepen understanding of innovative methods for evaluating aerodynamic losses and aircraft efficiency.

On 25 June 2026, the German Aerospace Society (DGLR) and the Collaborative Research Centre SynTrac TRR 364 jointly hosted the symposium “Powering Future Aircraft – Integrated Development of Aircraft and Engines” at the Haus der Wirtschaft in Stuttgart. The event brought together experts from academia and industry to discuss current challenges and innovative approaches in the integrated design of future aircraft and propulsion systems.

The symposium was opened with a series of welcome addresses by representatives from the hosting and supporting institutions, including the SynTrac Spokesperson Prof Sabine Langer, Dr. Gerhard Ebenhoch, Head of Aerospace Propulsion Division L5, German Aerospace Society (DGLR), Dr. Markus Fischer, Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics, German Aerospace Center (DLR) as well as Jennifer Staudenmeyer of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg. The opening remarks emphasized the strategic relevance of integrated aircraft–propulsion research and the role of strong partnerships between academia, research institutions, and industry in advancing sustainable aviation technologies.

The symposium opened with a keynote by Dr. Reynard de Vries, Chief Engineer at Elysian Airlines, entitled “Distributed propulsion: a form of propulsion integration for the next generation of (hybrid) electric passenger aircraft.” His talk provided insights into industrial development approaches for future propulsion systems, building a bridge between research and application.

A further highlight was the presentation by Prof. Dr. Arvind Gangoli Rao, Professor of Sustainable Aircraft Propulsion at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology. In his contribution “Energy Transition in Aviation,” he placed current developments in aviation transformation into an international research context and discussed perspectives for sustainable propulsion technologies.

SynTrac successfully presented its research at this year’s Hannover Messe as part of the joint stand of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture. Throughout the exhibition, project team members welcomed a diverse range of visitors from industry, academia, public institutions, and the wider public, creating numerous opportunities for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and new connections. The strong international interest in the stand underlined the global relevance of SynTrac’s work on the future of sustainable aviation.

The project was honoured to welcome several distinguished guests, including Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture, Falko Mohrs, Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science, Rianne Letschert, President of TU Braunschweig, Prof. Angela Ittel, and Lower Saxony’s State Secretary for Science and Culture, Prof. Joachim Schachtner. Their visit highlighted the importance of research-driven innovation in addressing societal challenges and supporting future transformation.

A particular attraction at the SynTrac stand was the aircraft-shaped rowing ergometer, which demonstrates how the same performance can be achieved with lower energy consumption based on insights gained through SynTrac research. Many visitors took the opportunity to test the exhibit themselves, including Prof. Angela Ittel and Minister Falko Mohrs, who both took a turn on the rowing ergometer and experienced the concept firsthand.

SynTrac once again participated in AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, reinforcing the event’s role as a regular and valued fixture in the project’s outreach and networking activities. As one of the leading international trade fairs for general aviation, AERO continues to evolve into an important platform for discussing innovation, sustainability, and the future of air transport.

Throughout the exhibition, SynTrac team members presented the project’s research on highly integrated aircraft concepts and their potential contribution to more sustainable aviation. The event provided a great opportunity to exchange ideas with stakeholders from across the aviation sector, including industry representatives, researchers, policymakers, and aviation enthusiasts.

This year, a strong interest shown by the general public was particularly notable. Visitors actively engaged with the team, asking numerous questions about the project’s objectives, technological approaches, and the broader societal relevance of aviation research. Discussions frequently focused on how research can contribute to addressing climate challenges, enabling future climate-neutral air transport, and ensuring that aviation continues to provide societal and economic benefits in a sustainable way.

The interactions highlighted a growing public interest in the future of mobility and the role that research and innovation can play in supporting the transition to more sustainable transportation systems. Many visitors expressed interest in the project’s vision and welcomed the opportunity to discuss both the technical and societal dimensions of future aviation.

AERO 2026 once again provided an excellent platform for SynTrac to strengthen its network, establish new contacts, and exchange ideas on the future of aviation. The project team returns with valuable insights and looks forward to continuing these conversations in the future.

On 25 April 2026, the nationwide Girls’ Day/Future Day took place once again, and the SynTrac research project was also in attendance with exciting hands-on activities at the University of Stuttgart’s Vaihingen campus.  The aim was to inspire schoolgirls to pursue careers in engineering and the natural sciences, from a SynTrac perspective particularly in the fields of aerospace.

Several hundred schoolgirls took part in this year’s Girls’ Day/Future Day and were warmly welcomed at a central welcome event on the Vaihingen Campus. Dr Ing Grazia Lamanna, Lead of Project Area C in SynTrac welcomed the girls in her role as the University of Stuttgart’s Equal Opportunities Officer, and introduced the participants to significant women from the history of science.

Using the current example of astronaut Christina Koch from the Artemis 2 mission, she made it clear what significant contributions female role models make. At the same time, she emphasised that it is not gender but ability, dedication and competence that matter most, and that the potential for extraordinary achievements lies within all girls, not just a few exceptions.

With this inspiring message, the girls then split into small groups to take part in the various workshops.

As part of the SynTrac project, ten schoolgirls from Years 5 and 6 were given an insight into the world of aviation at the Institute of Aircraft Propulsion at the University of Stuttgart. The workshop focused on the theme ‘Why do aeroplanes fly? and the future of sustainable aviation’, and gave us the opportunity not only to discuss modern aviation but also to explain SynTrac’s sustainability goals.

Together with SynTrac researchers, fundamental physical principles of flight were discussed and clearly explained. The girls were then able to put what they had learnt into practice straight away, using model aeroplanes that they launched themselves after personalizing each aircraft.

A particular highlight was the tour of a real aircraft engine, which was used to explain the structure and functioning of an aircraft propulsion system in a tangible way. In a further experiment in the laboratory, the participants simulated the flow behaviour of air using small particles in water which is a creative and visually striking method for exploring aerodynamic effects.

In addition, the schoolgirls had the opportunity to chat with female researchers from the aerospace sector and learn first-hand what inspires them about their work and how they came to pursue a career in research. They were given the important advice to be curious and always ask plenty of questions. This became the motto of the day, and the girls not only had fruitful discussions with the SynTrac team but also engaged in lively exchanges amongst themselves.

The enthusiasm was palpable among everyone involved, and many participants showed great interest in the scientific topics and asked curious questions. For the SynTrac project, Girls’ Day 2026 was a resounding success and a welcome opportunity to inspire young talent in technology and research.

On May 14, 2026, our spokesperson Sabine C. Langer from TU Braunschweig presented the paper “Toward acoustics-oriented aircraft design for highly integrated transport aircraft” at the 190th Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Meeting in the session: General Topics in Engineering Acoustics.

Her contribution showcased SynTrac research and highlighted the growing need for a paradigm shift in aviation acoustics: moving beyond conventional “noise abatement” strategies toward a fully acoustics-oriented aircraft design approach. Rather than addressing noise only after a system has been developed, the concept integrates desired acoustic characteristics from the earliest phases of aircraft design and technology assessment which reflects the core of SynTrac´s research paradigm.

A central focus of the presentation was the challenge posed by future highly integrated transport aircraft, particularly concepts featuring tighter integration between engines and airframes to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. While environmental sustainability remains a key driver in aviation research, aircraft noise is increasingly recognized as a major factor influencing passenger and crew well-being, community acceptance, and the competitiveness of future aircraft technologies.

The presentation emphasized that reliable assessments of both external and internal aircraft noise require advanced modelling and simulation frameworks capable of representing the entire “acoustic chain”, from tonal and broadband sound generation at the source, through propagation paths, to the final acoustic immission experienced by humans. Accurate modelling, reliable simulation, and perceptually informed assessment methods were identified as essential prerequisites for enabling acoustics-oriented design within future aircraft development processes.