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ETH Focus Project






















MORPHING WING RESEARCH 


Traditional aircraft research is limited by slow and costly wing iteration cycles.
ZEPHYR tackles this issue by introducing a flight-ready drone platform designed for 
quick integration and testing of novel wing concepts. 
By separating propulsion from lift generation and introducing a standardized modular wing interface, this system 
allows for streamlined wing exchange and scalable experimentation. The platform bridges the gap between conceptual wing designs and high-fidelity aerodynamic validation.









MISSION


Zephyr develops a modular, multipurpose drone that serves as a flying laboratory for academia and industry. This platform enables fast iteration and evaluation of novel aircraft technologies, shortening the path from concept to flight-proven innovation.
As a first case study, we investigate morphing wing structures, showcasing the platform’s ability to conduct high-value research with very short iteration cycles.




TECHNICAL GOALS







MODULARITY


Zephyr’s design allows fast swapping of wings and subsystems, while keeping other parameters constant, turning the drone into a flexible testbed for a wide range of aerodynamic and structural concepts.






RAPID ITERATION


By drastically shortening the cycle from design to flight test, the platform enables researchers to evaluate ideas in real operating conditions within weeks rather than months.


INNOVATION


Zephyr serves as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, providing a real-world environment where emerging aerospace technologies can be validated and refined.







MORPHING SHAPE


Our first flagship demonstration is a morphing wing: a structure that changes its shape in flight to adapt to different aerodynamic needs—illustrating the platform’s potential for cutting-edge aerospace research.



WHATS HAPPENING NOW?

Flight Testing and Technical Refinements

NOW

 After the successful maiden flight and rollout, we are now conducting structured flight tests with Mistral. The goal of this phase is to validate whether Mistral can reliably serve as a test and research platform for future aerodynamic and morphing-wing experiments. During each test campaign, we collect flight data, evaluate the aircraft’s performance and handling, and identify technical improvements. In parallel, we are refining the airframe, avionics, sensor integration, and flight-test procedures to make the platform more robust, repeatable, and useful for future research. 


ETH MAVT Fokus Rollout

27-05-2026

 At the end of May, Project Zephyr was presented at the MAVT Fokus Rollout at ETH Zurich. 

The rollout marked an important opportunity to present our work to the ETH community, industry partners, sponsors, and visitors. We introduced the motivation behind Zephyr, explained the development of Mistral, and showed how the aircraft enables full-scale testing at a fraction of the cost and complexity of conventional flight-test programs. 

The event also allowed us to showcase the progress made throughout the year: from initial concept development and manufacturing to integration and first flight. Presenting Mistral at the rollout was an important milestone for the team and helped communicate the broader vision of Zephyr as a platform for rapid, experimental aircraft development. 






WHATS HAPPENING NOW?

Flight Testing and Technical Refinements

NOW


After the successful maiden flight and rollout, we are now conducting structured flight tests with Mistral. The goal of this phase is to validate whether Mistral can reliably serve as a test and research platform for future aerodynamic and morphing-wing experiments. During each test campaign, we collect flight data, evaluate the aircraft’s performance and handling, and identify technical improvements. In parallel, we are refining the airframe, avionics, sensor integration, and flight-test procedures to make the platform more robust, repeatable, and useful for future research. 





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