Contributor - Asia

Jennifer Meszaros

Smartflyer is aiming to achieve the first flight with its SF-1 light aircraft in the late summer of 2026. The Swiss start-up displayed the four-seater at the Aero Asia show held in Zhuhai in late November, emphasizing flight training, which it sees as the likely first application.
The company is developing the SF-1 as the first member of a family for aircraft available with three different propulsion systems. The intial pure-electric version will have a two-hour endurance, while a hybrid-electric variant could extend range up to 430 nm and a hydrogen fuel cell alternative could support up to five hours of flight.
The SF-1 prototype features a distinctive rear-mounted propeller on the vertical tail in a tractor configuration. The all-electric version is powered by a Emrax 348 electric motor delivering 160 kilowatts for takeoff and 120 kilowatts for continuous flight. The batteries housed in the wing are permanently installed, while the modular nose housing the energy source is swappable.
<article class="media media--type-video media--view-mode-default">
 
 <div class="layout layout--onecol">
 <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
 <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-media-oembed-video">
 
 
 
 <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="https://backend.ainonline.com//media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/mwHQrh6vytQ&amp;max_width=0&amp;max_height=0&amp;hash=hnewNKZzHzFQ21GFf6qdC-QcaJoD7LMIhNMc5acZTys" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="Smartflyer: Hybrid-Electric SF-1 Will Transform Pilot Training – AIN"></iframe>
</div>
 
 </div>

 </div>
 </div>

 </article>
Speaking to AIN during the show in China, Smartflyer CEO and head of design Rolf Stuber said the SF-1 prototype is now in an intensive system test phase as the program prepares for upcoming ground and flight tests. "Individual components—including the range extender and battery management system—are being validated, while battery integration is planned for March 2026, subject to delivery timelines,” he explained “Following ground tests and the permit-to-fly process, first flight is targeted for late summer 2026."
To support the next development phase, Smartflyer is currently trying to raise&nbsp;approximately $3.72 million&nbsp;in new capital. Of this,&nbsp;about $1.49 million&nbsp;has already been secured, while the remaining&nbsp;$2.23 million&nbsp;is intended to fund further prototype refinements and preparation of the type certification application. The company plans to submit the application in mid-2027 and estimates the total cost of achieving EASA CS-23 certification at&nbsp;around $37.21 million.
&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Smartflyer Targets 2026 First Flight For SF-1 Electric Light Aircraft

Swiss start-up plans all-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-electric versions

As one of several Western start-ups exhibiting at the Aero Asia show in China, Smartflyer says it is making progress with its family of electric aircraft.

Smartflyer Targets 2026 First Flight For SF-1 Electric Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Nicole Malachowski, Jennifer Homendy, Alex Marren, and Stephanie Chung to Address WAI attendees

WAI Sets Keynote Roster for Dallas Conference in 2026

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Letter of agreement covers 20 of the nine-seat aircraft

UrbanLink Preorders MD Aircraft’s eViator Electric Commuter

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Delivery of the Global 6500s to the Royal Canadian Air Force is slated for mid-2027

Bombardier Nabs $400M Canadian Deal for Global 6500s

Amy Wilder

Hamburg facility begins SIGINT mission system work

Pegasus Advances as First Aircraft Lands in Germany

Bombardier claims the aircraft sets a new bar.

Bombardier’s Latest Global 8000 Business Jet Enters Service

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Its fuselage is 3.9 feet longer than the Kodiak 100

Daher Secures Brazilian Certification for Kodiak 900

Hanneke Weitering

Pratt & Whitney Canada is also supporting the program

Boeing-backed Evio Launches Hybrid-electric Regional Airliner

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

More In Aircraft