Programme
Development of air vehicles
NLR wants to enable the Dutch aerospace industry to have a competitive share from 2025 – 2050 in the development and production of the next generation low emission aircraft, in programmes for the next generation helicopters, and in new flight concepts. NLR also wants to build knowledge to support Defence in the evaluation of military aircraft when purchasing new types, and in assessing the effects of new technologies on aviation safety.
“ Sustainable innovations in aviation for the Netherlands as a whole”
Programme leader Johan Kos on the Development of air vehicles knowledge programme
We want to do this by accrueing knowledge about the development of innovative products for air vehicles for business and the government. The programme primarily focuses on the development of innovative electronics, systems, instruments and lightweight materials and constructions for the aerospace industry.
Some projects
COCOLIH2T: COmposite COnformal LIquid H2 Tank; Clean Hydrogen
The COCOLIH2T project focuses on developing a liquid hydrogen tank for future aviation applications. We have created a structural design for the inner and outer tank and conducted analyses to determine boil-off, safety aspects, sensing, and hydrogen flow. Furthermore, we have begun conceptualising the design of the test setups and the integration of the inner and outer tank, which will take place at NLR. Our goal is to develop a safe and efficient hydrogen tank that enables the future of sustainable aviation. With this innovation, we are taking a significant step towards emission-free aviation.
Luchtvaart in Transitie: LiT Thermoplasts (STC)
To decrease the CO2 emissions of aircraft, ultra-efficient aircraft technology is required. Thermoplastic composite materials offer excellent performance, low weight, and efficient production methods, and are also recyclable. Through breakthroughs in research and development, we can produce these materials even more efficiently, using smart tools and integrated production processes. Our goal is to develop thermoplastic composite products that are 10-15% lighter and 20-30% cheaper than existing products. Additionally, we are developing techniques to apply functional coatings and microstructures that reduce air resistance and achieve fuel savings of 2-5%. These innovations contribute to a more sustainable aviation sector.
Read more on the website of Luchtvaart in Transitie.
HyPoTrade: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Power Train Demonstration
The HyPoTraDe project aims to develop a modular fuel cell-battery hybrid-electric propulsion line architecture for aviation applications. We are designing, assembling, and testing a series of 500 kW modular propulsion lines with cryo-enabled thermal management. The ground testing campaign will help us determine the optimal system architecture, validate fault mitigations, and demonstrate that the system can meet complex operational requirements. The results will be used to validate a digital twin and assess the fail-safe capabilities of the modular propulsion line.
Read more about HyPoTrade here.
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Research infrastructure
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