R&D cases
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Explore our R&D cases
NLR is actively involved in various research projects and programmes in the Netherlands, Europe, and globally. As an independent aerospace research institute, we conduct applied research, focusing on a practical approach and innovative solutions. These R&D cases provide an insight into the diverse range of research activities and the projects we have been involved.
24 June 2025
R&D case: Breakthrough fuel cell technologies for aircraft
Project: BRAVA (Breakthrough Fuel Cell Technologies for Aviation)
06 June 2025
R&D case: Laser ultrasonic inspection of complex-shaped composites
The manufacturing of complex-shaped composites is becoming increasingly common, driving up demand for fast automated quality control. Laser ultrasonic testing can be a viable technique to achieve this, as it is fast and contactless. However, it requires the inspected part to be perpendicular to the laser beam, posing a challenge for the positioning of the laser or part. Combining laser ultrasonics with optical 3D scanning can overcome this challenge and realise a fast automated quality assurance system for composite manufacturing.
28 May 2025
R&D case: Fast non-destructive testing of large composite aircraft structures
Project: PENELOPE (Closed-loop digital pipeline for a flexible and modular manufacturing of large components)
29 April 2025
R&D case: FLAPsense
FLAPsense project: optical sensor system for real- time proprotor FLAPping angle monitoring
20 March 2025
R&D case: Enabling temperature control for large scale additive manufacturing
One of the main challenges of Large Scale 3D printing of high temperature thermoplastics is the control of the interface temperature – which determines the degree of bonding between consecutive layers. When the deposited material has cooled down in excess, poor adhesion is achieved between layers, leading to insufficient strength, delamination, cracking and part failure. If the material has not cooled down sufficiently, it won’t support the consecutive layers, therefore leading to print failure. The interface temperature control is especially important when attempting large scale prints and when processing semicrystalline thermoplastics.
28 January 2025
R&D case COCOLIH2T – Composite Conformal Liquid H2 Tank
The global aviation industry is committed to reducing global net aviation carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2050, with the European Commission pursuing a more ambitious goal of a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre. Alternative fuels such as liquid hydrogen (LH2) are seen as playing a central role in a zero-emission future for aviation. To store cryogenic (20 K) liquid hydrogen in an aircraft, the COCOLIH2T project carries out research and testing for the design, manufacturing and testing of storage containers for new and existing aircraft designs.
18 December 2024
R&D case: Smart maintenance inspections and smart training devices
Maintenance is important to make aircraft operations a success. Unfortunately, the MRO industry is faced with a shortage of labour and pollution. How can we use innovations to help the industry?
18 December 2024
R&D case: Remote Support for Maintenance Personnel
Global aviation is increasing, but the current lack of qualified maintenance personnel is becoming very problematic.It may eventually lead to a reduced availability of the fleets and, thus, reduced revenues for their operators. Part of the solution is to increase the efficiency of the existing maintenance processes by introducing innovative tooling.
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