Aviation is undergoing a profound transformation. The simultaneous – and at times seemingly contradictory – goals of climate compatibility, economic efficiency, safety and passenger comfort demand radically new technologies as soon as possible. This is precisely where the DLR Design Challenge comes in: an annual competition for students of german universities to design forward-looking aircraft concepts. What matters most is a coherent overall concept that tackles current, complex questions in aircraft design. In the DLR Design Challenge 2026 students were asked to design an experimental small aircraft concept that will test next-generation commercial aircraft technologies on a scaled-down basis to demonstrate innovative aviation technologies for entry into service in 2050.