Programme
Unmanned and autonomous
Drones are a key enabler for innovative solutions to tackle rapidly changing societal, economic and security challenges. For the Netherlands to play a role in this, the government and Dutch industry, including start-ups and SMEs, must be able to create innovative drone solutions, platforms and systems in a safe, sustainable and cost-effective way, and to integrate these within the airspace.
The programme Unmanned and autonomous focuses on providing solutions to the social challenges of smart and sustainable (unmanned and autonomous) mobility and on further developing and implementing unmanned aviation, safely and with proper backing. A wide and diverse range of knowledge partners are involved in it, ministries, EASA, Eurocontrol, EREA partners, universities, plus a broad spectrum of national and international companies and associations such as the Dutch Drone Delta and the Alliance for New Mobility Europe.
“ The impact of autonomous aviation”
Programme leader Joost Vreeken on the Unmanned and autonomous knowledge programme
NLR is the knowledge partner for this. We offer support in the development, implementation and societal acceptance of unmanned and autonomous aviation, taking into account safety and minimal nuisance. We help with the realisation of safe, sustainable and affordable drone systems and the harnessing of commercial opportunities, and we support the rise of Dutch manufacturers in the area of drones and Innovative Air Mobility (IAM).
Some projects
ENSURE
The ENSURE project focuses on automating processes for airspace changes, making airspace management more efficient and flexible. The Dynamic Airspace Re-configuration (DAR) Manager workstation, developed in the AURA project, is being further developed and automated in ENSURE. Additionally, intelligent interfaces for tactical air traffic controllers are being developed, tested, and validated in an operational environment with approach positions at Schiphol Airport. Our goal is to achieve standardisation of DAR processes, thereby contributing to an operational concept for UTM integration in ATM operations.
Airtub 2
This project involves the development of automated systems to monitor and inspect blades of offshore wind farms. The project aims to build upon technologies developed in the AIRTuB 1 project, such as ultrasonic detection and drone/crawler platforms. These technologies will be improved and integrated into a system that will be deployed in offshore wind farms. The project is scheduled to be completed by Q3 2026. By the end of the project, a functional demonstrator will be available to showcase the concept.
Drones in Uncontrolled Airspace
We are working on a flight demonstration with an unmanned helicopter in a realistic conflict scenario, as part of our efforts to integrate manned and unmanned flying. Our NLR Detect and Avoid (DAA) system will be tested on an unmanned helicopter during a flight test campaign. During these tests, the components of the system will be further validated and parameters will be determined for correct avoidance manoeuvres. Building on earlier ground tests with ‘intruder’ drones, areas for improvement have been identified for our Cooperative Traffic Sensor (CTS), which will be addressed during the campaign. Our goal is to demonstrate a safe and efficient integration of manned and unmanned flying.
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Research infrastructure
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