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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?

Testing and Designing

NOW

We have now divided the team into two subgroups. One focuses on flight testing, gathering as much insight as possible about the aircraft and especially its motor configuration. The software is also being continuously tested and refined with the goal of making the plane easier to fly, and we are preparing to integrate an autopilot system. The second subgroup is working on weight estimations, dimensioning and designing for the final drone. This includes research into morphing wing technologies to better understand their potential weight and impact on the overall design.  


First flight in Dübendorf

11–12–25

Our drone broke during landing on its second flight, but just 24 hours later it was ready to fly again. Thanks to our manufacturing method using balsa wood, we were able to repair it quickly and efficiently. With the restored drone, we completed our first successful flight here in Dübendorf, marking an important milestone and a promising step for the future. 

Maiden flight
of ZPH-01

02–12–25

We celebrated the maiden flight of our first fully self-built plane, an incredible moment as we watched it lift into the sky for the very first time. Seeing all our hard work come together was truly rewarding. The aircraft flew beautifully, and we were very pleased with its stability in the air. Before take-off we carried out a series of low speed and high-speed taxi tests to ensure everything was functioning as expected. Once we were confident, we pushed forward and took off. It was an unforgettable milestone for the entire team.  



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