Newsroom

Filter

Stay up to date with the latest developments

Flight Operations and Certification

19 June 2025

International IFAR Research on Atmospheric Electrical Phenomena

How does the formation of storm clouds and electrical charging high in the sky work? Through flight measurement campaigns, the ELECTRI-FLY project aims to deepen its understanding of these kinds of atmospheric electrical phenomena. The project launch meeting marks the official start of an international scientific collaboration. On the occasion of the IFAR (International Forum […]
Maintenance and Repair

16 June 2025

Joint development by NLR and PhotonFirst for real-time condition monitoring of helicopters

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and PhotonFirst jointly announce the development of an innovative SHUMS solution (Structural Health and Usage Monitoring System) for helicopters. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced monitoring technologies for the aerospace sector with real-time monitoring of structural loads […]

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 […]
Sustainability and Environment

28 May 2025

NLR and E-Flight team up for electric flying

Electric flight offers promising prospects for aviation, whether using batteries or liquid hydrogen as an energy carrier. During a joint flight, Michel Peters of NLR and Evert-Jan Feld of E-Flight Academy reaffirmed their partnership to conduct further research in this area. Royal NLR and E-Flight Academy share a common goal: to enhance and make electric […]
Construction and Manufacturing

28 May 2025

R&D Case: Penelope

Fast Non-Destructive Testing of Large Composite Aircraft Structures Automation of non-destructive and in-line inspection of aircraft composite parts contributes to efficient high-volume aircraft production, such as expected for the next-generation short-medium range (SMR) aircraft with entry-into-service in 2035. However, automation can also be cost-effective for smaller production volumes, as it enables faster detection of quality […]
Drones op het terrein van NLR in Marknesse
Defence and Security

27 May 2025

Accelerating drone research for Dutch Defence: the strength of an ecosystem

NLR has officially launched the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF). A new facility to conduct research quickly and effectively on uncrewed systems for defence. “Drones are playing an increasingly important role in aviation, for defence and also for civil applications,” says Bert Thuis, Vice President Aerospace Vehicles at NLR. Unmanned systems are playing an increasingly […]
Sustainability and Environment

27 May 2025

Booklet: Research and Development more electric and hydrogen powered aerospace

Hydrogen as a fuel is considered to be an important route towards future sustainable aviation. For aviationapplications, hydrogen presents several key advantages: it allows for the elimination of carbon emissions inflight and along the entire life cycle. Its usage in fuel cells allows eliminating NOx and particles. When burntin a turbine engine, very low particle […]
Defence and Security

21 May 2025

Launch of QRDF: rapid drone innovations for Defence

21 May 2025, Marknesse – The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) is launching the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF) in Marknesse today. This facility contributes to the broader ambition of Dutch Ministry of Defence to become a pioneer in the field of unmanned systems, together with industry and knowledge institutions. The Minister of Defence, Ruben […]