Vilnius Tech to Develop Lithuania’s First Electric Aircraft

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) has announced an ambitious project to develop Lithuania’s first electric aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation industry. The initiative will be led by the Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI) and is part of a broader effort to celebrate 2025 as the “Year of Lithuanian Aviation Developers,” as declared by the Lithuanian Parliament.

The announcement, made on January 22, 2025, comes as part of Lithuania’s growing emphasis on innovative aviation technologies. This project aims to position Lithuania as a key player in the global aviation sector by pushing the boundaries of electric aircraft design and development.

The electric aircraft will be an experimental project, with the first flight expected to take place from the institute’s airfield. It will feature a new aerodynamic wing profile designed by Eduardas Lasauskas, a former Head of the Aeronautics Department at AGAI. The innovative design aims to improve the aircraft’s efficiency and performance, aligning with the project’s overarching goal of creating environmentally friendly aviation solutions.

The aircraft development team will be led by Nerijus Česnaitis, an aeronautical engineer who currently manages the AGAI Aeronautical Engineering Practice Base. Česnaitis brings extensive experience in aeronautical engineering and will oversee the integration of multiple engineering programs for the aircraft’s construction, including aeronautical mechanical engineering and avionics.

Laurynas Šišovas, Vice-Dean of AGAI’s Communication, Internationalization, Alumni, and Partnership Department, emphasized that the electric aircraft development project is primarily an experimental and training initiative for students at the university. This project offers a hands-on opportunity for students to apply theoretical knowledge in the field of aeronautical engineering while exploring cutting-edge technologies.

The aircraft is expected to combine aeronautical engineering for the design and manufacturing of the aircraft’s structure, as well as avionics for the aircraft’s electronic systems. By merging these fields, the project team will not only create a fully functional electric aircraft but also explore the possibilities of integrating more advanced technologies in aviation.

Šišovas also pointed out that the success of the electric aircraft project could lead to the incorporation of more advanced materials, energy-efficient systems, and autonomous control technologies. These innovations could serve as foundational elements for the development of next-generation aircraft, offering promising opportunities for further advancement in sustainable aviation.

Antanas Gustaitis, the figure after whom the aviation institute is named, was a Lithuanian military pilot and aeronautical engineer who made significant contributions to the country’s aviation history. He was responsible for the design and production of the ANBO series of aircraft, the first of which was built in 1925. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ANBO-I aircraft, which was the first model in the ANBO series. The new electric aircraft project serves as a tribute to Gustaitis’ legacy, celebrating his influence on the development of Lithuanian aviation.

The electric aircraft project reflects the growing interest in sustainable aviation solutions worldwide. As more countries and companies focus on reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, this project positions Lithuania as a hub for innovative aerospace technologies. The development of electric aircraft is seen as a crucial step in the transition to greener aviation and could provide significant advancements in the quest for more sustainable transportation options.

With the ongoing development and support from AGAI, the electric aircraft project is set to be a defining moment in Lithuania’s aviation future, contributing to global efforts in creating cleaner, more efficient flight technologies.

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