
R&D cases
Filter
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.
13 January 2026
R&D case: Smart Bandits decision-making module
In military simulations, Computer Generated Forces (CGFs) are autonomous entities that represent friendly, neutral or hostile air, ground surface, or subsurface-based units, platforms or individuals. The behaviour exhibited by CGFs is modelled to mimic realistic human behaviour, as well as that of existing and
emerging autonomous systems. CGFs are typically used in training, concept development and experimentation (CD&E) or decision-support applications. For each application, the CGFs require different behaviour models. However, traditional modelling techniques do not give scope for expression and
keep modellers from quickly developing new models. Additionally, modelling coordinating masses such as drone swarms requires new tools that make use of the latest developments in computation. Constant innovation in the area of behaviour modelling is therefore required.
26 November 2025
R&D case: Hydrogen drone research
Project: HYDRA II (Hydrogen Drone Research Aircraft)
21 October 2025
R&D case: Innovative airframe component designs for reducing aircraft noise
Project: INVENTOR (Innovative design of installed airframe components for aircraft noise reduction)
29 September 2025
R&D case: Integration and certification of LIG Nex1’s AESA radar using NLR’s Cessna Citation II
Project: FLANS (Flight test LIGNex1 AESA NLR Support)
29 August 2025
R&D case: Optimising disruptive airframe-propulsion integration concepts
Project: ENODISE (Enabling optimised disruptive airframe-propulsion integration concepts)
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)
Sign up for the NLR newsletter to receive our latest news, recent developments, new insights, reports and whitepapers, as well as our calendar of upcoming trade fairs and events.