To make electric aviation a reality and contribute to climate goals, innovation in battery technology is crucial. At the same time, Europe faces the challenge of reducing dependence on vulnerable global supply chains. With this ambition, SiLENT FLIGHT has been established: a Dutch consortium working on lithium-ion battery systems with significantly higher energy density for electric aircraft.

Within the consortium, Inholland University of Applied Sciences Delft and EagleBAT are joining forces. EagleBAT’s extensive expertise in battery and materials is combined with Inholland’s knowledge in system integration, certification, and aerospace technology. This collaboration enables applied research to be directly linked to flying technology demonstrators at Inholland, accelerating innovations towards practical implementation and certification.

The project focuses on developing a modular Li-ion battery system capable of longer flight ranges and sustained peak power. A key focus is the use of silicon anodes, which provide higher energy density but also impose new requirements on battery management. The complexity of internal battery processes, as well as safety and circularity, are guiding principles.

This three-year project, with a total budget of €2 million and supported by a €1.5 million grant from RVO’s Circular Batteries Subsidy Scheme (SCB), will significantly accelerate the development of high-energy battery systems. The project’s scale allows fundamental battery innovations, system integration, and validation to be developed and tested simultaneously in a realistic aviation context, fully aligned with the program’s objectives.

Project leader Arnold Koetje of Inholland:
“This project comes at the right moment for our ongoing research into safe aviation battery systems. With two electric test aircraft in our fleet, we see opportunities to take a significant step forward towards a modular and certifiable battery system together with EagleBAT and aviation authorities.”

EagleBAT also sees great value in the collaboration:

Founder Walter Legerstee:
“Thanks to this RVO grant, we can accelerate our collaboration with Inholland. Working with Inholland students and researchers gives us a unique opportunity to integrate our battery systems into a test aircraft and validate them in real operational conditions.”

The impact of the project goes beyond technology alone: aviation companies gain faster access to new solutions, while Inholland actively involves students in developing specialized knowledge directly relevant to the future needs of the sector.

About EagleBAT
EagleBAT specializes in advanced lithium-ion battery systems for aviation applications, focusing on high energy density, safety, and circular solutions. For this project, EagleBAT contributes unique knowledge and intellectual property, applied and further developed in collaboration with Inholland. By integrating battery systems into Inholland’s test aircraft, the consortium can directly validate new technologies in a realistic aviation environment.

About Inholland University of Applied Sciences – Aeronautical & Precision Engineering

The Aeronautical & Precision Engineering programme at Inholland University of Applied Sciences offers a bachelor-level education in Delft and has dedicated expertise in sustainable aviation and electric flight. Since 2019, the programme has conducted applied research within the Inholland Electric Flight Lab. Through the development of flying technology demonstrators, such as the Electric Dragonfly, and collaboration with aviation authorities and industry partners, Inholland works on applying new technologies within the aviation regulatory framework. In doing so, the programme contributes to the Dutch sustainable aviation ecosystem and the development of future talent. The subsidy is part of the National Growth Fund program Material Independence & Circular Batteries.