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Smartflyer SF-1

Aircraft tailored for pilot training with a hybrid-electric powertrain and a fully electric powertrain option

August 2025

Smartflyer SF-1

Aircraft tailored for pilot training with a hybrid-electric powertrain and a fully electric powertrain option

  • World Alliance Member
  • Featured Solution
  • Labelled Solution
Label Date August 15, 2025
From Switzerland
Maturity stage TRL 6 / 7 - Prototype demonstration 1:1

Smartflyer is developing a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to make flying quieter, cleaner, and more efficient. Unlike traditional planes, our aircraft combines an electric motor with a fuel-powered range extender, reducing noise by up to 60% and CO₂ emissions by over 50%. It’s built for everyday use in pilot training, eco-tourism, and regional mobility, where sustainability is urgently needed. With a range of over 800 km and seating for four, Smartflyer offers a practical and certifiable solution for the general aviation market. Its modular design allows for easy maintenance, upgrades, and future integration of alternative power sources such as hydrogen or fully electric systems. The highly efficient rear-mounted propeller, positioned in a pusher configuration, minimizes aerodynamic drag and cabin noise while maximizing overall propulsion efficiency.

The Environmental Benefits

  • Hybrid instead of fully electric: The Smartflyer SF-1 uses an electric motor powered by either batteries or a small combustion engine (range extender). This allows a flight range of up to 800 km—even from airfields without charging infrastructure
  • Modular power unit:The SF-1 features a swappable energy module. In just 15 minutes, operators can switch between battery and hybrid systems. This reduces downtime and adapts to available energy sources without complex maintenance
  • Quieter and more efficient:Unlike conventional aircraft, the SF-1's propeller is mounted on the tail. Combined with the electric motor, this reduces noise by up to 60%. The configuration also improves aerodynamic efficiency by avoiding disturbed airflow
  • The Smartflyer SF-1 reduces direct CO₂ emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional training aircraft and eliminates lead emissions by not using AVGAS
  • The Smartflyer SF-1 reduces noise by up to 60% thanks to its electric motor and tail-mounted propeller, which minimizes mechanical and aerodynamic noise. This significantly lowers noise exposure, reducing stress and health strain for pilots and residents

The Financial Benefits

  • Over 12 years and 1,000 flight hours annually, the Smartflyer SF-1 can reduce total ownership costs by up to USD 660,000 compared to a mainstream solution, due to lower operating and maintenance costs, despite a higher initial purchase price.
  • Thanks to operating cost savings of up to USD 55,000 per year, the Smartflyer SF-1 reaches its financial break-even point compared to a mainstream solution within 4 to 8 years, depending on energy prices and utilization levels.

Target client profile

Activity Region

  • Headquarters
  • Activity

Company Profile

Smartflyer AG

Smartflyer develops a hybrid-electric aircraft to reduce emissions and noise in pilot training.

Headquarters 2545 Selzach, Switzerland
Type Startup or self-employed
View company profile Solution website

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The information set out above, is solely for the purposes of information and the Solar Impulse Foundation does not provide any guarantee as to its authenticity, completeness or accuracy. This information does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy into, transact or to enter into any agreement with any of the parties or persons mentioned above. Potential investors or interested parties are solely responsible for their investment or business decisions and for performing any due diligence required by the circumstances. The innovator Smartflyer AG has asserted ownership of the intellectual property rights for images, videos, and content showcased above, affirming full and unrestricted usage rights, and has provided explicit permission for the Solar Impulse Foundation to publish such information designated as "public" in the application form.