The German town of Ulm and the Messe Friedrichshafen have joined forces to stage the Berblinger Flight Competition 2011. The technical part of the flight competition for the Berblinger Prize will take place on April 15, 2011, during the AERO Global Show for General Aviation in Friedrichshafen. The prize is valued at 100,000 Euro.
The aim of the Berblinger Flight Competition 2011 is to promote and demonstrate flight concepts using innovative technologies based on the latest research, knowledge and developments in the field of aviation. The search for the winner(s) will concentrate on practicable, one- or two-seater, person-carrying aircraft using innovative technology and design and/or propulsion. Particular emphasis will be placed on environmental sustainability, economy and safety.
In 2011 the town of Ulm will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger’s attempt to fly. In May 1811, Berblinger, known locally as “The Tailor of Ulm,” attempted to fly across the Danube in a hang-glider he had designed and built himself. He failed, not because of any shortcomings in his construction but owing to a lack of knowledge of the thermics above the surface of the cold river. In professional circles, Berblinger has long been regarded as an aviation pioneer. Since 1988, the town of Ulm has been awarding the Berblinger Prize, one of the highest value prizes in the field of general aviation, as a tribute to his work.
The prize is synonymous with environmentally sustainable technological development and research at the highest level. “This approach is eminently suited to the purpose and the international nature of the AERO,” said Ivo Gönner, Senior Mayor of Ulm. “This show offers ideal conditions for the competitors and indeed for the competition itself: The event attracts an international forum of specialists, specialist press coverage and aviation enthusiasts from the entire region. The infrastructure is excellent.”
Since 2008 AERO has placed particular emphasis on “E-flight,” which is continually being expanded. The “E” stands for “Electrical, Ecological, Evolutionary.”
Alternative propulsion technologies are presented here not only at the prototype stage but also as models ready for serial production. “With this event we will be forming an aviation link between Ulm and Friedrichshafen. We are looking forward to the competition, which fits in very well with our exhibition concept,” said AERO project manager Roland Bosch with regard to the cooperation with Ulm.
Teams working with innovative and environmentally sustainable technologies are invited from all over the world to take part in the competition. An independent jury made up of experts from the aviation and space industry, representatives from universities and research institutes and representatives of the town of Ulm will judge the entries.
For more information: Berblinger.ulm.de. Entries can be submitted until Dec. 31, 2010. Closing date for final registration, with submission of all documentation, is March 15, 2011.
