Project: DOXWING – Boxwing regional aircraft with hydrogen fuel cell powertrain

The DOXWING (Distributed Propulsion Over the Wing Boxwing Configuration) project aims to reduce the climate impact of this aircraft concept by synergistically integrating a hydrogen fuel cell system into a boxwing configuration. Due to the lower primary energy demand and the use of hydrogen, emissions can be reduced compared to similar regional aircraft.

In order to achieve this goal, various activities are being carried out together with the University of Stuttgart - which is also leading the consortium - and TU Berlin. These can be divided into three pillars:

Pillar 1 includes the simulation and design of the aerodynamics, the powertrain and the wing structure as well as their complex coupling and is completed by aeroacoustic analyses; Pillar 2 supplements this work with the experimental verification of the generated results by means of wind tunnel tests on a model scale; and finally, in Pillar 3, all results are transferred into an overall concept and final analyses are carried out at aircraft level.

In particular, different boxwing arrangements, powertrain topologies and wing masses are compared and their advantages and disadvantages weighed up. The evaluation of the final design allows a quantification of the ecological delta to existing, comparable aircraft and can thus establish a direct link to the statements of the Paris Climate Agreement. The industrial implementation potential is continuously reviewed and ensured through the close involvement of the Industry Advisory Board, so that subsequent industrial utilization is guaranteed.

In the DOXWING consortium, Bauhaus Luftfahrt is responsible for the conceptual design of the wing structure and the propulsion system. The wing structure is based on a coupled simulation of the wing structure and aerodynamics. Based on the results of the IAG, design studies are carried out for the wing design. For the propulsion system, the technology level 2040 is defined and different fuel cell concepts are examined, including the design of the thermal management and the integration into the aircraft concept.

University of Stuttgart - Institute of Aircraft Design; Coordinator

University of Stuttgart - Institute of Aerodynamics and Gas Dynamics

Technische Universität Berlin - Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerodynamics

Industry Advisory Board