Laboratory for Electric Aircraft Design and Sustainability
Led by Prof. Matthew Clarke in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
LEADS’s mission is to leverage multi-physics computational modeling and laboratory experimentation of innovative energy systems to elucidate the implications of incorporating advanced propulsion architectures into next-generation aerospace systems that satisfy certification and reliability standards while tackling challenges that hinder sustainable aviation.
Research Thrusts
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Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
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Advanced Aircraft Design
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Aircraft Noise & Flight Operations
Computational Tools
Research Community Aircraft Interdisciplinary Design Environment (RCAIDE)
RCAIDE is an open-source Python-based toolset that revolutionizes aircraft design and analysis. From commercial airliners to UAVs and next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft, RCAIDE provides comprehensive multi-disciplinary analysis tools backed by validated engineering methods. Its streamlined workflow and modular architecture help aerospace engineers and researchers accelerate development cycles and explore innovative designs with confidence.
LEADS Sustainable Aviation Technology Dashboard
Developed by the Lab for Electric Aircraft Design and Sustainability (LEADS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Sustainable Aviation Technology Dashboard is a platform to examine the integration of new batteries, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and hydrogen propulsion technologies into future aircraft systems and assess their broader impact on society.
Recent Publications
2025
Shekar, S S. and Clarke, M.A. "Optimizing Thermal Management Systems to Augment the Operational Longevity of Electric Aircraft," Journal of Aircraft (Accepted, Awaiting Publication).
2025
Matteo Guidotti, Rohit Gupta, Jared Dost, Dhairya Mehta, Aadit Kolar, Christopher Zhang, Phillip J. Ansell and Matthew A. Clarke. "The Impact of Alternative Fuels on U.S. Domestic Aviation Emissions," AIAA 2025-3102. AIAA AVIATION FORUM AND ASCEND 2025. July 2025.
LEADS In Recent News
LEADS’ PhD candidate Matteo Guidotti named runner-up in AIAA’s Neil Y. Chen Memorial Best Student Paper Award at the AIAA Aviation Forum in Las Vegas for his paper “The Impact of Alternative Fuels on U.S. Domestic Aviation Emissions.”
LEADS’ Undergraduate students Yair Guerrero and Nicole Artemyev awarded 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the Annual 2025 AIAA Team Undergraduate Aircraft RFP competition.
LEADS’ Undergraduate student Yair Guerrero chosen as Aviation Week 20 for Twenties 2025 winner.
LEADS’ PhD student Cade Boggan wins visionary award in Research Live contest
Prof. Clarke listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 List for Science.
AACES 2050 - NASA funds sustainable aviation collaboration between U of I and JetZeroNASA
Profs Ansell, Rovey, and Clarke spearhead Boeing's partnership to support sustainable aviation, beginning with education.