Kempen Airport is working hard on a revolution in aviation.
Clearwings, an innovative startup based at the airport in Brabant, is committed to converting existing aircraft to fully electric propulsion. This approach offers a sustainable and affordable solution that helps the aviation sector in the transition to zero-emission technology. The Clearwings team hopes to set a new standard in Europe and beyond by 2028.
The centerpiece of the current developments is a fully electric, converted Cessna 150. This aircraft is currently being tested on the runway of Kempen Airport. These so-called runway tests are a crucial phase in the run-up to the first test flights, which are planned for 2025. The project is the result of a collaboration between Clearwings and Falcon Electric Aviation, a student team from the Eindhoven University of Technology. This collaboration started as a student project and now has the potential to grow into a commercial success.
The tests are a big step forward. “Our goal is to make regional aviation completely emission-free. Our retrofit kits offer a practical solution that allows airlines to make their existing fleet more sustainable without having to purchase completely new aircraft,” the press release said.
support for innovation
To accelerate the development of their retrofit technology, Clearwings has already received several subsidies. For example, the RVO scheme for energy innovation has provided financial support for the execution of feasibility studies and the development of battery systems. These systems are not only suitable for small aircraft, but also for larger aircraft with up to nine seats. In addition, the province of Noord-Brabant has contributed to the development of circular battery systems. These systems make it possible to give used batteries from aircraft a second life in other sectors.
With groundbreaking technology, strategic partnerships and a clear focus on sustainability, Clearwings plays a key role in the transition to a zero-emission aviation sector.
In addition to subsidies, Clearwings has also signed letters of intent (LOIs) with key partners in the aviation sector. Kempen Airport, which owns a training fleet of seven aircraft, is one of the first customers to deploy retrofit kits. Evia Aero, a German airline focused on regional flights with electric aircraft, has also signed up as a partner in the project.
safety first
An important aspect of the retrofit kits is the careful weight balance. During the conversion, fuel tanks and combustion engines are replaced by electric drive and battery packs that are equally heavy. This maintains the stability of the aircraft. If additional battery capacity is required, passenger seats can be removed without negatively affecting the weight distribution.
Clearwings battery packs are also designed with safety as a priority. They completely eliminate the risk of fire hazard, an essential requirement in aviation. These batteries can withstand extreme conditions and prevent dangerous situations such as overheating or thermal runaway.
regional aviation
Clearwings focuses on aircraft with a maximum of 19 seats and short flights of up to 500 kilometers. With this, the startup responds to the growing demand for emission-free regional aviation. In addition, these smaller aircraft can be used at regional airports that are often underused.
The retrofit kits are offered via an “as-a-service” model, allowing airlines to deploy the technology without high capital costs. By certifying the kits for common aircraft models, Clearwings reduces the required checks and speeds up installation.
