From concept to propulsion: BTU and chesco showcase sustainable aviation research at the ILA

Through their research into hybrid and electric propulsion systems, as well as innovative manufacturing and testing processes, BTU and chesco are making a significant contribution to the transformation of the aviation industry towards greater climate sustainability. From 10 to 14 June, researchers from the university will present their latest work at the joint stand of the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region in Hall B, Stand 320.

Manufacturing technologies for the aerospace industry of tomorrow

At the chesco research facility, the development, manufacturing, testing and validation of new components and propulsion systems are brought together under one roof. Using various demonstrators, scientists will showcase the full range of modern manufacturing processes – from traditional machining and additive manufacturing to the combination of both technologies in hybrid processes. This highlights how digital development, flexible manufacturing and sustainable production can work together in the future. In doing so, chesco is creating the conditions to transfer new technologies into industrial applications more quickly and to strengthen the competitiveness of climate-friendly aviation.

From recycling to rocket engines 

A particular highlight is a demonstrator for the recycling of additively manufactured metal components. This illustrates how metallic structures can be mechanically processed after use and gradually converted into metal powder of varying grain sizes. The aim is to reuse the material in new additive manufacturing processes. This approach exemplifies how closed-loop material cycles can contribute to resource conservation and sustainability in industrial production.
Another eye-catcher at the stand is a rocket engine manufactured entirely using additive manufacturing. The component was built up layer by layer from an aluminium alloy using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The demonstrator highlights the potential of modern digital development and manufacturing processes for highly complex and high-performance components in future aerospace applications.

Research facility for the aviation of tomorrow 

With the exhibits on display, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and chesco are underlining their role as innovation and development partners for sustainable, digital and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. The research facility in Cottbus brings together research, development, manufacturing and testing under one roof, thereby creating the essential conditions for the aviation technologies of tomorrow.

Lusatian research in a European network

The ILA Berlin is one of the world’s most important platforms for innovation in aerospace. Under the motto “Pioneering Aerospace”, the 2026 event will focus in particular on climate-neutral flying, hybrid and electric propulsion systems, sustainable fuels, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and new mobility concepts.

Events at the BTU/chesco stand (Hall B, Stand 320)

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 | 1.30–2.00 pm

As part of a backstage tour, Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dietmar Woidke and Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner will visit the joint stand of the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region together with around 40 journalists. The visit to the BTU/chesco stand is scheduled to last approximately five minutes.

In attendance will be:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Höschler, Scientific Director of the Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) and holder of the Chair of Aircraft Engine Design at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg

Hendrik Hammann, Interim Project Coordinator at the Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco)

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | 4–5 pm

State Secretary Hendrik Fischer (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection and European Affairs of the State of Brandenburg) will visit the BTU and chesco for a technical discussion as part of a tour of the joint stand.

In attendance:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Höschler, Scientific Director of the Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco) and holder of the Chair of Aircraft Engine Design at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | from 5 pm

State reception to mark the joint presentation of the Berlin-Brandenburg capital region. The event is hosted by the Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection and European Affairs of the State of Brandenburg, Martina Klement, and the State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises of the State of Berlin, Dr Severin Fischer.