The Hybrid-Airplane Technologies GmbH (HAT) has developed two production-ready products of the patented unmanned h-aero^®  flight system, which also represents an improved flight concept to fullfill tomorrow's needs. Already in the current sales versions unresolved tasks in the market for unmanned aerial systems (UAS - "Unmanned Aerial Systems") can be solved. Core competencies are in the areas of ultralight construction, hardware adaption of various payloads, as well as software development for autonomous flight systems including sensor technology and secure data transmission.

A combination of plane, helicopter and balloon

h-aero^®  represents a new way of flying and is optimized to be powered by renewable energy. Research and development, as well as management of the company, which was founded in December 2016, is in the responsibility of the inventor and aerospace engineer Dr. of engineering Csaba Singer and his team. The patentee has been the Hybrid Airplane Technologies GmbH since the first round of financing in 2017. In the field of research and development, Hybrid Airplane Technologies GmbH works closely with universities and corporate partners. 

Important milestones 2017:

• Development and flight dynamic testing of measuring equipment with relevant partners such as SAP,
• the scientific development and the aeronautical tests of the measuring instruments for resource exploration are carried out jointly with the partner company Protech Design Consultancy LTD from Northern Ireland,
• state-of-the-art 3D scanners for the flight system are optimized in cooperation with the company FARO GmbH,
• ultra-light solar cell modules are developed and produced specifically for aeronautical purposes together with the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart.
• cooperation with Hochschule Pforzheim and the University of Potsdam.
• cooperation in the area of events with Epicto,
• cooperation in the area of security and industry with BernoIT
• a.m.m.

All of the development activities have and will be scientifically documented and are legally protected by non-disclosure and cooperation agreements.

Notable future cooperating partners are:

• VUZE, Silver Atena, FAIR AIR, AIRBUS, New Space Vision, Protech, Faro, University of Stuttgart, KIT, Pforzheim University, Steinbeis-Centres, DLR, CALTECH and NASA

The R&D activities of the project receive far-reaching support by the Institute for Photovoltaics (Prof. Dr. Jürgen Werner) at the University of Stuttgart and from the TAO Group (Prof. Dr. of engineering Bernd Kröplin). Further support comes from the TTI GmbH, the start-up network of the University of Stuttgart. Cooperations with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Prof. Dr. Rosmarie Wagner) as well as with the University of Arizona (Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Fink, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) have been confirmed.

The original sole founder Dr.-Ing. Csaba Singer and Startup HAT GmbH are supported by various industrial and academic institutions. Four of the heads behind HAT are:

Dr. Csaba Singer

CEO and CTO

Csaba Singer (39) is the CEO, CTO and majority shareholder of the Hybrid-Airplane Technologies GmbH. He is an alumni of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the University of Stuttgart and graduated with a PhD from the Institute for Solar Research of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). He is specialized in ultra-lightweight construction, computer technology and renewable energies and demonstrates fundamental knowledge and experience in project and human resource management.

Christian Schultze

Managing Director and Shareholder

Christian Schultze (32) is management director and shareholder. He is responsible for the finance, sales and marketing activities at the Hybrid-Airplane Technologies GmbH. After studying macroeconomics in Kiel, he achieved his diploma in Communication and Advertising at the Bavarian Academy for Marketing and Advertisement (BAW) in Nuremberg. Mr. Schultze is specialized in media design, marketing and has a strong grasp of the technical aspects.

Klaus Schultze

CRO

Klaus Schultze is founding member of the FEE project and future chairman of the supervisory board. After his career in aviation, being a jet pilot and deputy commander of the German Air Force, he was the sales manager and authorised signatory at the medium-sized company Börgadts GmbH as well as at the global corporation British Plaster Board (BPB) for the subsequent 14 years. In 2006, he founded the airline Fair Air GmbH and up to today he acts as certified compliance manager, safety manager and auditor. His experience in aviation in combination with his entrepreneurial competences are very valuable for us.

Lars Drögemüller

Marketing and Communication

Lars Drögemüller is responsible for the internal and external comunication of the HAT GmbH. He was an professional handballplayer and with that he has a huge amount of contacts, which help us in our early stage. He studied economics in Heidelberg and is a qualified supporter for the business-management.

Autonomous 24h Non-Stop-Flight enabled!

Unlike the common flight concepts (multicopters, airplanes and mixed concepts), which involve purely dynamical uplift, our h-aero^®  additionally makes use of the static uplift generated from an elliptic helium bubble. Therefor h-aero^®  is as energy efficient as a Zeppelin or a balloon while remaining as agile as multicopters or airplanes. The VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capability eliminates the need for a runway infrastructure. The flight system is able to achieve higher cruising speeds than helicopters. By using solar energy as a regenerative energy source, the autonomous 24h non-stop flight will already be accessible in 2018. 

Dynamic like a frisbee

On the opposing sides of the rotationally symmetric, lenticular hull two wings with fully symmetrical profiles are attached. The wings are built in a way that the frontal as well as the rear part of the wings can be folded around a specific angle. Using these wings, the hybrid aircraft is able to take on a rotationally symmetric (helicopter) as well as mirror symmetric (airplane) configuration. The hull is filled with helium and ensures an additional uplift. At the same time the hull provides enough surface area for solar cells and has a similar aerodynamic behavior as a Frisbee. A short-term goal is to supply the market for UAVs with a payload of up to 10 kg. In the medium to long-term we will realize larger-scaled versions for manned missions and autonomously flying airborne communications platforms.

Patent

All innovative features are protected by patents (DE102006028885A1 and PCT EP2017/063221). In 2017, the word and design marks of our product line were registered internationally under the name „h-aero“ to ensure legal protection.

Product Description

Startupcon Cologne 2017

h-aero^®  zero

The first flightsystem that is allowed to fly over gatherings

h-aero^®  zero is our smallest model, built for private and semi-professional use and is convincing with its excellent flight duration, unique level of flight safety, high portability and its unmistakable and utterly novel design. Developed as an ultra-light plug-in system, the size of the complete carrier can be reduced to smaller dimensions of 110 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm and thus can be comfortably transported in a small bag. Due to the simplicity of the assembly, the global novelty h-aero^®  zero is ready for operation within 10 minutes. When fully set up, measuring 250 cm x 250 cm x 60 cm, h-aero^®  zero is clearly visible and therefore suitable as an excellent airborne advertising medium, guaranteed to attract considerable attention. Due to its size, flights within line of sight are possible at farther distances compared to multicopters.

The external appearance of the h-aero^®  zero can be tailored to customers’ needs. For example, the outer shell can be delivered in different colours and provided with individual labelling. Equipped with a 4K camera, a board computer RPi v3 and a range of up to 2 km with a flight duration of up to 90 minutes, h-aero^®  zero is setting new standards for aerial carrier. The price is set between 4,000 € - 10,000€, depending on the equipment.

Statupcon Cologne 2017

CeBIT Hannover 2017

h-aero^®  one

3 kg payload and up to 5 h flight duration

h-aero^®  one is the logical evolution of the smaller h-aero^®  zero and was developed for professional and commercial use. With a payload of 3 kg and a flight duration of up to 5 h, h-aero^®   one sets new benchmarks and allows completely new applications. In contrast to other unmanned aerial systems, h-aero^®  one can fulfil several tasks at once. For example, several different cameras (night vision, infrared and thermal imaging cameras) can be transported and evaluated at the same time. The simultaneous acquisition and evaluation of chemical components in the air (e.g. the measurement of particulate matter) is also possible. Additionally, equipped with radio communications systems, mobile hotspots (e.g. for disaster management) can be set up. In comparison to other unmanned aerial systems, with a pay-load of up to 3 kg, the novel h-aero^®  one is not only considerably more safe but flies also considerably more quiet.

One carrier, almost unlimited applications

Even eco-sensitive areas can be observed without disrupting or impairing flora and fauna. Due to its plug-in system, h-aero^®  one can be folded to a size of a ski bag and transported in a small passenger vehicle. In addition to almost every mission, the aircraft system h-aero^®  one can always serve as an „eye-catcher“ and as an advertising medium. Equipped with a portable LED-projector, moving images and animations can be projected on its bottom side. Thereby it turns into a flying, 3 m wide screen guaranteed to make a lasting impression. The price is set between 20,000 € - 30,000€, depending on the equipment. Since the flight at the StartUp summit in Stuttgart in July 2017, we are in negotiations with SAP SE. The software manufacturer from Walldorf plans to use the h-aero^®  one mobile system to provide mobile hotspots and to carry camera systems or sensors that collect data.

h-aero^®  kite

Demand for the 24/7-surveillance platform, labelled h-aero^®  kite (25 kg), is higher than expected. The system sets itself apart as it is able to perform stationary flights non-stop for a period of two weeks, to be aimed at a specific point and to move into its direction at any time. The autonomous connectivity allows the system to be all-weather proof and simultaneously supplies the h-aero^®  with power. An appropriate offer is currently negotiated with a Southern European security company, a contact that was established at the AERO 2017. Expected Price: 60.000 € including R&D, warrants and commissioning. This system is currently in development.

First and foremost, h-aero^®  zero and h-aero^®  one are unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS“). The dimensional scale of the future product line will allow manned flights and the construction of communication platforms at ideal heights, independent of the location. The feasibility of the concept has been proven and the development of serially producible, upgradable prototypes in two different sizes has been accomplished. None of the competing products is able to hover as well as master long distances or possesses the same amount of surface area that can be covered with solar cells, projections or LED-signs. Demand for the first products on the UAV market is high, resulting from the current safety situation and the widespread acceptance of the „pleasantly chubby UFOs“. Incidentally, the lighter-than-air technology already represents a unique niche within the high-potential UAV market.

The unique selling points of the innovative, patented flight concept are:

h-aero^®  is to become the most innovative carrier medium for the commercial market for UAS.

Our company slogan fully describes our business model: “Enabling Exploration, Communication and Observation“. Numerous interactions with potential buyers and pilot costumers confirmed the market-relevant distinguishing features of h-aero^® 

How are revenues generated?

The start of sales for the newly developed h-aero^®  zero began in November 2017. In Q1 of 2018, 50 h-aero^®  zero are to be sold at a starting price between 3,500€ and 4,500€. In Q4 2017, the first revenues were generated by leasing the system at a daily rate of 1,500€. The development of the h-aero^®  one has also been completed. Sales started in October 2017. First purchase intentions are already available at a unit price of 25,000€.

Scaling

Today’s established flight concepts were initially not made for civil but for military use and often test pilots had to carry out the necessary test flights. In the age of digitalization new flight concepts can be developed much more efficiently, safely and in many respects less risky. A possible scenario of the dimensional scaling strategy is shown in the following image.

Salesstrategy

In 2016, the world premiere of the prototypes took place during the international Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin, accompanied by a global media response. The enormous media attention was further increased by numerous public appearances in the first and second quarter of 2017 (U.T.SEC Nürnberg, CeBIT Hannover, AERO Friedrichshafen, VC-BW, GIIF, StartUp Night der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2017 (BMWi), Startup Gipfel BW 2017).

To be able to cater to the multitude of potential applications of the h-aero^®  flight systems and its customers, HAT uses the following strategies to distribute its products:

• Direct distribution
  HAT considers the direct distribution as a key strategy to supply customer oriented projects with predominantly jointly developed solutions. This is expected to result in larger profits. Direct distribution takes advantage of personal contacts, own projects or market niches. 

• Sales via national and international agents
  To successfully operate and persist in „mass markets“, HAT relies on the distribution via agents or agencies. These are individuals, in the market established associations or agencies located in other countries. 

• Distribution via internet
  HAT has a co-operation agreement with the company Rettinger GmbH, which essentially describes the sales process of h-aero^®  zero. For years Rettinger has been distributing multicopters and UAVs via the website „extremefliers.de“. In coordination with the production and engineering processes, these activities are carried out within a limited time frame and with limited quantities. 

Geographical focus and strategy

HAT focuses its sales activities on Germany and Europe. Based on the sales strategies, HAT is setting up a marketing infrastructure for its flight systems h-aero^®  in individual countries in cooperation with contractually bound sales representatives and local agencies. Here, the focus lies on the compliance with geographical borders to avoid potential conflicts with customers and interests groups.

Keycustomers

Since the ILA in 2016 up to the latest quarter, we have attracted over 200 interested customers as well as cooperation partners from the B2B industry at four different trade fairs.

Cooperations are presently focusing on conducting test flights with various payloads aimed for joint services. Furthermore, a consortium for the ongoing dimensional scaling of the h-aero^®  flight system has been established. The customer requests range from flights with a duration of a few hours up to autonomous 24/7-surveillance platforms.

In the phase of market entry (trade fairs in Q1 and Q2 2017) customers and cooperation partners were acquired. Some of them are:

• SAP (mobile hotspot & advertisements)
• WIRCON GmbH (mobile hotspot, accomplished advertising flights, sponsoring)
• Heraeus Group (conducting inventories in warehouses)
• Liebherr AG (mobile Lifting Plattform)
• Deutsche Bahn AG (Promotion and Monitoring)
• Lufthansa Technik (monitoring the production of the aircraft fuselage)
• Ministry for Economic Affairs and Finances Baden-Württemberg and others
• German Telekom, Rheinenergie
• ALLIANZ
• Deutsche Messe
• DroneMasters and Protech Design Consultancy LTD and many more

Market potential

The entire market potential for the UAV amounts to 127 billion USD, as calculated by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), of which 45 billion USD fall on the main part of the targeted customer market. While private UAVs currently are the global top sellers, large-scale commercial use still lies in the future, according to a statement made by FAZ in Nov 2016. The market is divided into private UAVs (multicopters of up to 250 g) as well as into professional commercial UAVs (multicopters with an empty weight starting from 5 kg).

Target Market

Initially, we will position h-aero^®  in two niche markets, which pose major market entry barriers for all our competitors, but not for our h-aero^®  flight systems:

1. Flying over gatherings  

The safety technology of h-aero^®  makes it predestined to fly over crowds, both indoors and outdoors. This is due to the non-hazardous lifting gas helium as well as a result of the hull construction, which behaves like an unfolded parachute in any situation. As flagship project of the biggest umbrella association for UAVs in Germany, we are preparing for the legislative change on the 01/10/2017 in cooperation with the UAV-Dach e.V. (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). Jointly with the UAV-Dach e.V., we will remain a provider allowed to fly over events, even beyond this day. The association acts as a consultant for the Federal Aviation Authority.

2. h-aero^®  flies longer, more quie and more benefical   

The second niche concerns the long flight duration and the payload of our carriers. Due to their high consumption, today's commercial UAVs are not able to reach flight times of more than 45 minutes and are thus unsuitable for scanning large areas. In the area of resource exploration or the agricultural industry, the ability to fly long with increased payload capacity is imperative. Flight missions in these areas often require a flight time of several hours. Currently, only manned systems such as helicopters or airplanes can meet these requirements. With h-aero^® , for the first time, such missions can be carried out unmanned, completely emission-free and at drastically reduced costs.

Due to the current safety situation and the possibilities for airborne data acquisition, both niches are in high demand.

Share a vision of mankind

h-aero^®  is a sustainable and safe way up to the third dimension. It is said to be the best, greenest, airborne vehicle for commercial observation, research and communication applications.

Our knowledge advantage is the result of decades of research

For decades, the University of Stuttgart has been researching new ways to fly. However, it is only through the development of radio controlled remote controls, 3D printers, new composites and adequate calculation and simulation software that it is possible to develop new flight technologies as cost-effectively as never before. Our models are small at first, but they can map all functionalities and already satisfy the first markets. The size up is almost freely scalable and the result of German engineering. The ability to offer h-aero^®  telecommunication solutions, which have clear advantages over the current Google (Loon) and Facebook (Aquila) approaches, requires a relaxed communication. And that's why we decided to do crowdfunding.

Be part of our vision

We want to give you the opportunity to participate in a vision that comes from the gravity center of Europe's Innovation Center Nr. 1 Baden-Württemberg.

h-aero™ offers a solution for the global market with unimagined possibilities and functions. Cost-effective and without emissions! One important factor is the social acceptance of our technology. Also because of that h-aero™ takes the opportunity to find investors in the crowd.

Planned Milestones:

• First autonomous missions                                                     12/‘17
• Longterm operations (Target: 24/7)                                         06/‘18
• Constant scaling 10kgà25kgà75kg à150kg                             06/’18
• Optimised and certificated flight device
  for specific application profiles                                                 2018

Midterm target:

• „Flying with renewable energy“ – manned flight

Longterm target:

• h-aero™ as platform and satellite extension and substitute for telecommunication

Needs and usage

• More intense market strategies
• Construction of a production site and office space
• R&D to create new customer specific product variants
• Worldwide distribution

• Worldpermiere ILA 2016
• First public flight / Fashion Show, Balearen 2016
• Follow-up financing 1
• First revenues / pilot project
• Successfull stress test
• Production ready modell
• Worldwide Media presence (ARD, BBC, FAZ, Bild, brand eins)
• Innovationcoupon A+B Hightech
• Follow-up financing 2
• First relevant test in resource exploration
• First relevant test in communication
• First relevant test in observation
• Certificate for urban overflight

Rewards:

• Revolutionäres Hybrid-Flugzeug[…], SolarServer
   
• Die andere Art zu fliegen“, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
   
• Drohnen auf der ILA, Handelsblatt
   
• Aerial Platforms and Investigations, Lunar and Planetary Institute
   
• Internationale Drohnenmesse in Nürnberg, ARD-Mediathek
   
• CeBIT 2017, BBC World News
   
• Die spannendsten Drohnen der ILA, Computer Bild
   
• Diese Drohnen werden die Welt verändern, Bild

International(selection):

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