ETH Focus Project
























                                                             






ETH Focus Project













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.












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?

Finalize Design
and Prepare 
Manufacturing 

NOW

We are currently finalizing and validating the design of our new platform. The crucial step at this stage is to move beyond a model aircraft and develop a true testing platform. This means carefully integrating sensors and creating a robust environment for acquiring and analyzing flight data. In parallel, we are preparing for manufacturing by sourcing materials and planning, as well as testing, key production steps. With design and preparations for manufacturing progressing hand in hand, we are laying the groundwork for the next major build phase. 

Event with ZHAW about LINA

25-02-2026

We had the opportunity to take part in an event with ZHAW that focused on the LINA program, a new drone testing airspace that will be implemented at the Hegmatten airfield in Winterthur. The exchange was highly insightful and gave us a deeper understanding of the vision behind creating a dedicated environment for advanced drone research and development. We are delighted to contribute to this initiative and excited to be part of shaping the future of drone research in Switzerland. 

Back in Dübendorf

16-02-2026

With the new semester underway, the Zephyr team returned from an intense exam phase with fresh energy and motivation. It feels great to be back together in the hangar and fully focused on the next steps of the project. A key highlight is that we were able to enlarge our hangar space, which comes at the perfect time as we prepare to build our larger next generation drone. The additional room gives us the flexibility we need for assembly and integration in the months ahead. 


BROWSE -> ARCHIVE


SUPPORT US 


-> Partners

JOIN US 


-> Here