Akaflieg Berlin

What Akaflieg Berlin does

Akaflieg Berlin (legal name: Akademische Fliegergruppe Berlin e.V.) is a student-run, non-profit registered association (eingetragener Verein) at the Technische Universität Berlin, founded in 1925 and affiliated with the Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrt. The organization designs and constructs innovative sailplane prototypes, including the B12 (in certification), the B13e electric motor glider with a self-developed retractable 4-blade carbon-fiber folding propeller and approximately 100 km motor range, and the B14 variable camber wing two-seat glider (in development with design freeze achieved in 2024). Akaflieg Berlin is one of 10 German academic flying groups connected through the Idaflieg network, currently holding the Idaflieg Vorstand and hosting the triennial Schimmelcup cross-country competition.

Revenue is generated through five streams: annual membership fees (€150 per year), usage-based flight fees (€4 per flight for active members), one-time training courses (beginner intensive courses €1,100–€1,700; BZF radio certificate courses €120–€150), tax-deductible sponsorships and donations, and complimentary free software (Lernomat 1000) for aviation theory exam preparation. Distribution is fully direct to members and individual course participants, with no intermediaries. The customer base is concentrated around three personas: university students from Berlin higher education institutions, aviation enthusiasts entering through beginner courses, and competitive glider pilots.

The organization operates from three locations: a postal address at Straße des 17. Juni 135, a workshop and engineering office at Marchstraße 12-14 in TU Berlin's Charlottenburg campus, and the Kammermark gliding airfield with clubhouse and maintenance facilities near Pritzwalk, Brandenburg. Governance is by a volunteer student board (Nils Deckert, 1st Chair; Niclas Ludenia, 2nd Chair; Yakumo Tomeda, Treasurer; Frederick Röhrbein, Secretary), with operations powered primarily by student labor.

Name

Akaflieg Berlin

Legal name

Akademische Fliegergruppe Berlin e.V.

Website

https://akaflieg-berlin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Akaflieg Berlin is a student-run non-profit association at TU Berlin that designs and builds innovative sailplane prototypes, including the B13e electric motor glider and the B14 variable camber wing glider, while providing flight training to university students, aviation enthusiasts, and competitive glider pilots within the Idaflieg network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Education & Training

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Flight Training (611512), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Glider & Sailplane Manufacturing (IMABAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC), Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

Keywords

• Student aviation association
• Sailplane prototype construction
• Flight training services
• Electric motor glider development
• Aviation theory education

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fee of 150€ covering flights to airfield, overnight stays, and use of club facilities.
2. Training Courses: Beginner intensive courses (1,100-1,700€ depending on status), BZF radio certificate courses (120-150€), theoretical glider flight lectures.
3. Flight Revenue: Members pay 4€ per flight. Anwärter (apprentice) fees based on workshop hours contributed.
4. Sponsorships and Donations: As a non-profit association, receives financial and material donations from sponsors. Tax-deductible donation receipts provided.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Akaflieg Berlin is a student-run non-profit association that designs and constructs innovative sailplane prototypes (B12, B13e, B14) and provides flight training, theory courses, and aviation education. It operates an airfield at Kammermark for training and competitions, and distributes the free Lernomat 1000 learning software for SPL/BZF exam preparation. Services are delivered directly to students and aviation enthusiasts through TU Berlin facilities, course participation, and membership.

Product overview

Akaflieg Berlin is a student-run association at TU Berlin focused on constructing innovative sailplane prototypes and conducting flight projects. Its portfolio includes two active aircraft prototypes: the B13e (electric motor glider with retractable propeller, ~100km range) and the B14 (twin-seat sailplane with automatic wing flaps, in development), both at certification stage alongside B12. The organization also developed and maintains the Lernomat 1000 free learning software for aviation theory exam preparation. Beyond prototype development, Akaflieg Berlin provides flight training services including beginner courses, theoretical instruction, and radio operator certification, while hosting the triennial Schimmelcup competition and annual youth competitions at its Kammermark airfield.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• B13e Electric Motor Glider Twin-seat high-performance sailplane (23m wingspan) converted to electric propulsion with a retractable 4-blade folding propeller, EMRAX 208 motor, and custom battery system. Achieves approximately 100 km motorised range with 1 m/s climb rate. Developed for use by Akaflieg Berlin members and for advancing electric propulsion research in gliders.
• B14 Flächenklappen-Doppelsitzer Twin-seat sailplane with automatic wing flap system (Flächenklappen) that self-adjusts flap position for optimal performance across all flight conditions. Features aerodynamic twist with laminar profiles for cross-country competition. Currently under development with design freeze achieved for wing and airfoil geometry.
• B12 Prototype Sailplane prototype under development by Akaflieg Berlin. Currently in the certification (Zulassung) process along with the B13e.
• Lernomat 1000 Free web-based learning software for aviation theory exam preparation, supporting Segelflugpilotenlizenz (SPL), Amateurfunk, and BZF certifications. Offers multiple question catalogs including DAeC-SPL 2026, automatic training mode, custom quizzes, and exam simulation. Accessible globally to anyone preparing for aviation theory exams.
• Flight Training Program (SPL) Complete sailplane pilot (SPL) training program including practical flight instruction on training gliders (Grob Twin I/II), winch launch training, and theoretical instruction for pilot certification. For students and members pursuing SPL certification.
• Anfänger:innen-Lehrgang (Beginner Intensive Course) Two-week intensive introductory sailing flight course held annually at Kammermark airfield. Includes up to 50 launches, accommodation, personal flight log, and training documentation. Participants can progress to first solo flight (A-Prüfung). Open to complete beginners without requiring club membership.
• Segelflugtheorie (Glider Theory Course) Theoretical flight training for SPL (Sailplane Pilot License) conducted on Saturdays at TU Berlin. Covers air law, navigation, meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft knowledge, human performance, and radiotelephony.
• BZF-Lehrgang (Radio Operator Course) Annual course for Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate (BZF I/II) comprising 6 theory lectures and 11 practical radio exercise sessions. 95% first-attempt pass rate. Open to glider pilots and aviation enthusiasts needing radio certification.
• Schimmelcup Competition Triennial cross-country flight competition hosted at Kammermark airfield. Eight academic flight groups (Akafliegs) compete with prototypes and production aircraft. Winner receives the Schimmelcup trophy. Open to competition pilots from the Idaflieg network.
• Landesjugendvergleichsfliegen Annual youth comparison flight competition for members of Berlin and Brandenburg clubs. Takes place at Kammermark airfield with competition and training tasks. Open to young glider pilots from regional sport aviation clubs.

Quantifiable outcome

• B13e achieved 1 m/s climb rate and 100 km motor range on first electric flight (March 30, 2019)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LZ Design (Slovenia)coreTechnology or Integration · 21 October 2018LZ Design provided the EMRAX 208 Low Voltage Air Cooled Motor for the B13e electric propulsion system. The motor was selected for its efficiency, light weight (9.1 kg), and dimensions that fit the B13 fuselage nose.
• ILR (Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrt) at TU BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016The Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics at TU Berlin manufactured many parts for the B13e drive system, including the propeller rail and landing gear lever. The institute provides workshop space and technical support.
• Idaflieg (Dachverband)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNationwide network of 10 German academic flying groups. Regular scientific meetings, flight measurement campaigns with DLR, technical and flying training courses. Akaflieg Berlin currently provides the Idaflieg Vorstand (governing board).
• AFV BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbor club flying at the same airfield, supports Akaflieg Berlin with flight instructors and mentorship. Former members can join Alte Damen und Herren after graduation.
• Schlosser FeinwerktechnikminorOthersMaterial sponsor for aircraft construction.
• DAeC (Deutscher Aero Club) BerlinminorOthersOrganizes centralized theory instruction for SPL across Berlin clubs; Akaflieg participates in DAeC's E-Learning platform and uses DAeC question catalogs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Akaflieg München: Academic flying group at TU Munich producing its own glider prototypes (e.g., Mü-series) within the Idaflieg network. Directly comparable student-led glider R&D and flight training operation.
• DG Flugzeugbau: German manufacturer of LS-series gliders known for high aspect-ratio composite designs. Comparable commercial peer with overlapping aerodynamic profile and laminar-flow wing design philosophy.
• Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau: Major German commercial manufacturer of high-performance sailplanes (Discus, Ventus, Nimbus series). Most relevant commercial peer along the sailplane-manufacturing axis that defines Akaflieg's core R&D activity.
• Alexander Schleicher GmbH: German sailplane and motor glider manufacturer producing ASK, ASW, and ASG series aircraft. Commercial peer producing certified gliders that compete directly with Akaflieg prototype categories (training and high-performance gliders).
• Akaflieg Karlsruhe: Academic flying group at KIT Karlsruhe that has built notable glider prototypes (AK series) and competes in Schimmelcup. Closest peer along the student-built glider development model.
• Akaflieg Stuttgart: Sister Akaflieg at the University of Stuttgart; designs and builds glider prototypes, runs flight training, and participates in the Idaflieg network. Most directly comparable peer given identical mission, structure, and shared national ecosystem.

Others

• Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC): National aero club providing the question catalog and E-Learning platform that power Lernomat 1000, and centralizing SPL theory instruction across Berlin clubs. Key enabling institution and content partner for Akaflieg's training and software offerings.
• Idaflieg (Dachverband): Umbrella association of all 10 German Akafliegs that organizes scientific meetings, technical training, and competitions. Closely related ecosystem participant that orchestrates Akaflieg Berlin's peer network.

Broad incumbents

• Pipistrel: Slovenian light/electric aircraft manufacturer (now under Textron) producing the Velis Electro and Taurus Electro. Broader incumbent operating in the same electric sustainer / motor glider category as the B13e but with significantly more resources.

Emerging players

• Lange Aviation: German company developing the Antares electric self-launching motor glider series. Directly comparable along the electric motor glider axis where Akaflieg Berlin's B13e competes at the prototype level.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AkafliegBerlin/videos?view=1
• Facebookfacebook.com/akafliegberlin
• Instagraminstagram.com/akafliegberlin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/akafliegberlin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Akaflieg Berlin