Author name: Kirsten Propitius

Integration of satellite antennas into small sized UAVs

Space Technology

10 October 2019

Beamforming antennas

Beamforming antennas (also known as phased-array or beamsteering antennas) utilize a series of antenna elements that allow the antenna bundle to be controlled electronically instead of mechanically. This allows signals to be emitted in or received from the correct direction. This is an important advantage for non-fixed systems such as aircraft and satellites. In addition, the radiation diagram can be adjusted so that the antenna sends or receives in one or more directions or that it receives more information or emits more energy in one specific direction than another. Because they are controlled electronically, beam-forming antennas are less vulnerable and do not require mechanical maintenance.

Space Technology

01 October 2019

Satellite navigation for vital infrastructure and business opportunities

Galileo, the European satellite navigation system, provides greater accuracy in determining time and position than GPS by making use of the latest technologies and signals. Positions can be determined to an accuracy of within one metre. Every point on the Earth’s surface is covered by at least four and at most eight satellites. This civilian navigation system is available for governmental authorities, companies and the general public. It provides better support for the vital infrastructure in the Netherlands. In addition, it provides opportunities for unmanned systems such as autonomous driving, sailing and flying using e.g. drones.

First flight NLR hydrogen drone at NLR Drone Centre Marknesse

Sustainability and Environment

20 September 2019

Hydrogen-powered drone above The Netherlands

It has not previously been done in Dutch airspace: NLR is flying a hydrogen-powered drone (HYDRA). This is a step towards sustainable aviation. Additionally, market parties will be able to follow these footsteps quickly and fly hydrogen-powered drones safely in the Netherlands.

Training and Simulation

27 June 2019

Blog: Putting innovation to work for real training needs

Do you remember the first time you were driving on the highway and had to pass a slow-driving truck? You probably didn’t master the skill of driving very well yet, which made you a bit anxious and extra alert on the specific procedures, such as checking your mirrors to see if the left lane is clear. Meanwhile, the instructor wanted you to move your head exaggeratedly, in order to know if you did or did not check these mirrors.

Space Technology

21 June 2019

Shaping the future of small satellites

In a new era with many small satellites swarming around the Earth these constellations need to be safe, efficient and reliable. In April 2019, Hyperion and the Royal NLR signed an MoU for a collaboration. Both companies aim for future solutions in the area of small satellites.

Training and Simulation

20 June 2019

KLM and NLR integrate Augmented Reality in maintenance and repair

19 June 2019, Amsterdam – KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) have launched a joint venture, NUVEON, for the development of new Augmented Reality (AR) products for MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul). NUVEON will integrate AR throughout the MRO chain to improve everyday performance in maintenance. The new partnership was signed at the Paris Airshow by Olaf Hoftijzer, Director Training E&M KLM, and Marja Eijkman, Division Manager Aerospace Operations, Royal NLR.

Air Traffic Management

18 June 2019

Integration of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian into European Airspace

NLR has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to develop the procedures needed to safely and efficiently integrate Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) into European Airspace. The first phase of this collaboration culminated on 28-29 May 2019 during which a large-scale simulation exercise was performed at the Amsterdam campus of NLR. The goal of this exercise was to test the first version of the MALE RPA airspace integration procedures, and involved experienced civil Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), as well as licenced airliner and RPA pilots. The exercise considered operations from Rotterdam The Hague Airport (EHRD), a civil airport in the Netherlands, and made use of a simulated MQ-9B SkyGuardian MALE RPA, an RPA that is designed and manufactured by GA-ASI.

Construction and Manufacturing

04 June 2019

3D printing of high performance polymers for Industry & SME’s

Royal NLR and Ultimaker start collaboration on printing high performance (fibre) reinforced polymers. NLR’s Smart Industry field lab for Automated Composites, Metal Manufacturing and Maintenance ACM3, supports companies in the development of lightweight systems made of composite materials and/or metal. Additive manufacturing of high performance metals and polymers is one of the key areas ACM3 is focusing on.

Construction and Manufacturing

24 May 2019

Large-scale application of metal additive manufacturing

NLR began its first four-year public-private partnership project in 2014 for 3D printing in metal, also known as ‘metal additive manufacturing’. We are now four years further and we know a lot more. A new programme, primarily focusing on certification of new components, started in March 2019.