Real-life examples
GESIPA® blind rivets in the modern E-Sling
Within eight months, 12 male and female mechanical and electrical engineering students from ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) in Switzerland developed the E-Sling - a four-seat electric aircraft with a modular battery system. Based on the kit aircraft "Sling TSI" by Sling Aircraft Pty. Ltd. from Johannesburg, research and analysis began in November 2018. By the time the project was launched in September 2020, a revised
aircraft structure had been manufactured by Sling Aircraft. Demonstration and research flights are planned from August 2021 to August 2022.
We are pleased to be a partner in this project and to be able to support the students both with GESIPA® blind rivets, which are installed in large numbers in the aircraft, and with our blind rivet setting tools. Our battery-powered setting tools are used as setting tools for the E-Sling.
E-Sling: A modern electric aircraft with a modular battery system and space for up to four people.
The goals of this ETH focus project are clear for the students:
An efficient electric drive and a modular battery system are to be newly developed. In addition, the overall technical airworthiness must be demonstrated.
The E-Sling has a range of 250 km with an increased wing span of 10.5 metres. This allows for more efficient flying of the four passengers at 160 km/h cruising speed. The maximum take-off weight (including the four passengers and luggage) is 950 kg.
The electric motor developed by the students provides 110 kW of maximum power for take-off and continuously 45 kW during the travel phase. The built-in battery has a capacity of 50 kWh and is housed in the wings and engine compartment instead of the petrol tank.
Many of our GESIPA® blind rivets were used for the construction of the electric aircraft. Our proven battery-powered blind rivet setters of the Bird Pro series were used.
The project covers four important areas:
1. Education - support for ETH male and female students
2. Environment - air transport will be made sustainable for the first time and a lot of CO2 will be saved
3. Technology - trend-setting basic research for electric propulsion in the aviation industry will be created
4. Economy - interesting economic perspectives are offered in the medium to long term
