Dutch Students Lead the Charge in Electric Aviation Innovation
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 1 April 2025.
A team of students from Eindhoven University of Technology and startup Clearwings successfully tested the first electric retrofitted aircraft in the Netherlands, advancing sustainable aviation.
Groundbreaking Electric Aviation Test
On March 20, 2025, at Kempen Airport near Budel, the student team Falcon and startup Clearwings achieved a significant milestone in sustainable aviation by successfully conducting electric taxiing tests with a modified Cessna 150 [1]. The innovation involves replacing conventional aircraft engines with electric propulsion systems, representing a crucial step toward emissions-free aviation in the Netherlands [1].
Technical Innovation and Leadership
The project is spearheaded by Clearwings, a spin-off from the student team Falcon Electric Aviation, co-founded by Kshitij Dadhekar and Kyle Strickland [1]. The retrofit package developed by the team includes an electric motor, batteries, control display, and essential wiring, with a total weight comparable to traditional engines [1]. According to Professor Maarten Steinbuch from TU/e, ‘Retrofitting existing aircraft is an important first step toward the electrification of aviation. This is also how it started in the automotive industry’ [1].
Future Prospects and Scalability
Looking ahead, Clearwings has set ambitious targets for sustainable aviation development. The company aims to conduct its first electric test flight from Kempen Airport in December 2025 [1][6]. Their long-term vision includes scaling up the technology to accommodate larger aircraft capable of carrying up to 20 passengers for regional flights extending to 500 kilometers, encompassing flight training and business travel [1]. The project aligns with TU/e’s broader sustainability initiatives and strategic priorities focused on addressing future environmental challenges [4].