eGenius: The Technological DNA of Our Succes

Before we could begin scaling our transatlantic record flight for the Charles Lindbergh 2027 anniversary, we had to prove the physical laws of highly efficient aviation in the real world. The foundation for this future lies in one of the most successful research aircraft of the modern era: the eGenius.

The eGenius is neither a theoretical concept nor „vaporware“—it is a living piece of aviation history. Under the banner of the University of Stuttgart and driven by the piloting genius of world-record pilot Klaus Ohlmann, this aircraft has proven what is possible through radical aerodynamic efficiency and cutting-edge propulsion concepts.

The Chronicle of an Evolution: From Electricity to High-Tech Hybrid
The development of the eGenius represents the classic path of groundbreaking technological iteration:

2011–2014: The Purely Electric Pioneering Phase
Right from its inception, the eGenius set new benchmarks. It won the prestigious Lindbergh Prize as the quietest and most efficient aircraft at NASA’s Green Flight Challenge in Santa Rosa. In July 2014, Klaus Ohlmann flew the first official FAI world records using the purely electric configuration.

2017: The Hunt for Speed
The team proved that electric aircraft are not just built for endurance, but can also be incredibly fast. In November 2017, using the exact same electric version of the eGenius, they established further FAI world records—this time focusing purely on top-speed flights.

2022: The Turning Point to Hybrid Propulsion
In 2022, under the new project management of the highly talented engineer *Jonas Lay, the project undertook its decisive evolutionary step. To demonstrate true long-range capability, the purely battery-electric system was replaced by a highly efficient hybrid solution. After initial considerations for a Wankel engine, the team pivoted to the innovative **FlyEco diesel hybrid*, designed by engineer Arnim Wegener.

Success followed immediately: On April 20 and 21, 2022, Klaus Ohlmann and Jonas Lay instantly captured new world records with this new hybrid drivetrain.

Innovation Through „First Principles“: The Heggemann Story
Shortly after the April records, we proudly presented the eGenius at our stand at the *AERO 2022* aviation trade show. However, a physical bottleneck remained: In a personal conversation, Jonas Lay explained that the range of the eGenius was strictly limited by the capacity of its current fuel tank. Achieving new distance records in 2022 seemed impossible, as navigating the bureaucratic and university channels to design and approve a new tank would have taken months.

The solution was born out of true „can-do“ spirit right on the exhibition floor:
Because Klaus Ohlmann and the management had recently developed a close friendship with the visionary entrepreneur *Robert Heggemann* (owner of Heggemann AG), a meeting was arranged that very same day. When asked for sponsorship, Heggemann stated he didn’t want to give money, but rather hands-on support.

„We don’t need money. What we need is a custom metal auxiliary tank for the eGenius.“

Heggemann’s response was refreshingly unbureaucratic: „No problem, just send me a drawing.“

Jonas Lay sent the CAD data straight from the university, the Heggemann company manufactured the custom auxiliary metal tank in record time, and just a few weeks later, it was installed directly behind the pilot seats of the eGenius. *Hardware iteration beats red tape every single time.*

August 1, 2022: The Historic Record Flight to Biarritz
By July 11, 2022, initial test flights with the new tank made it clear where the journey was heading, as the team instantly clocked new speed records. Then, on August 1, 2022, the project achieved its ultimate crowning moment.

Equipped with the expanded fuel capacity, Klaus Ohlmann and Jonas Lay took off for a historic long-distance flight: From Mengen, across the Alps to Biarritz on the French Atlantic coast, and non-stop back to Mengen.

The balance sheet of this historic day remains unmatched in aviation:

2,004.7 kilometers non-stop in a pure distance flight.
Official FAI World Record in Class C-1b.
An additional 500 km circuit speed world record achieved on the side with an average speed of 191.58 km/h.

The Bridge to Lindbergh 2027
The eGenius has proven that sustainable, highly efficient aviation is not a distant dream, but a mathematically and physically solved reality. It is the exact technological and mental DNA of this project—the combination of uncompromising aerodynamics, advanced hybrid technology, and swift alliances between cutting-edge research and industry—that we are now scaling for the transatlantic anniversary flight in 2027.

We know how it’s done. We have the records in our logbook. Next up: the Atlantic.

Records:

 

Technical Specifications & Performance Data
Aircraft Type: Two-seat high-performance hybrid-electric research aircraft
Propulsion System (2022): FlyEco Diesel-Hybrid designed by Arnim Wegener)

Wingspan: 16.86 m*
Length: 8.10 m
Height: 2.00 m
Wing Area: 14.3 m²
Aspect Ratio: 21
Max. Takeoff Weight (MTOW): up to 950 kg
Empty Weight: approx. 735 kg (depending on configuration)
Aerodynamic Efficiency (L/D Ratio) 34 (at 140 km/h in gliding mode)
Propulsion System (2022) FlyEco Diesel-Hybrid* (by Arnim Wegener) combined with high-efficiency electric motor
Fuel System Upgrade (2022)* | Custom metal auxiliary tank (engineered via CAD, manufactured by Heggemann AG, installed directly behind the pilot seats)

Baseline Configuration: Purely battery-electric (2011–2021)
Fuel System Upgrade (2022): Custom metal auxiliary tank (engineered via CAD, manufactured by Heggemann AG)
Installation Location: Directly behind the pilot seats
Aerodynamic Efficiency:| Ultra-high glider-optimized L/D ratio

Official FAI World Records (Class C-1b)*

July 2014: First Electric World Records, Pioneer flights in purely electric configuration (Pilot: Klaus Ohlmann)
November 2017: Electric Speed Records, Pure top-speed world records with the electric configuration
April 20 & 21: 2022: First Hybrid World Records, Instant world records on the debut flights of the FlyEco hybrid system
August 1, 2022: Absolute Distance Record, 2,004.7 kilometers* non-stop (Route: Mengen – Alps – Biarritz – Mengen)
August 1, 2022: Speed Record (500 km Circuit), Average speed of *191.58 km/h* (flown on the same day)