Author name: Kirsten Propitius

Maintenance and Repair

28 March 2025

Composite Repair

With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in repairing Polymer Based Composite structures, our team is well-equipped to tackle the most challenging projects. Whether it's thermoset or thermoplastic materials, we possess the expertise and knowledge to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the stringent demands of the 'High Tech - High Spec' community. From aerospace and automotive to maritime, rail, transport, and medical industries, we provide specialised support to organisations that require precision, reliability, and innovation in the repair of composite structures.

3D metal printed fusee
Construction and Manufacturing

28 March 2025

Additive Manufacturing

At the forefront of innovation in metal additive manufacturing (AM), the Netherlands' premier Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology Centre, MAMTeC, is driving advancements in the field. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and a wealth of experience in powder bed fusion and deposition techniques, MAMTeC is uniquely positioned to support the development of complex components and the processing of challenging alloys, including multi-material fabrication.

Training and Simulation

28 March 2025

Live Virtual Constructive

Conducting seamless LVC exercises remains one of the most challenging issues for modern Air Forces. There is a lack of interoperability, limited reuse and loose integration between live, virtual and constructive assets. Our team offers a comprehensive range of user-oriented training concepts and solutions regarding LVC training development, integrated service-oriented architectures, and data exchange technologies. With a focus on downsizing where possible and delivering fit-for-purpose training solutions, we leverage our expertise in education and training, combined with cutting-edge technological knowledge, to provide expert advice on the optimal employment of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training solutions.

Training and Simulation

28 March 2025

Education and training for defence

With over two decades of experience in addressing educational and training challenges, our team has developed a unique approach that combines systematic analysis with practical expertise. We can help you bridge the gap between job requirements and effective training programmes, enabling you to develop targeted solutions that meet the needs of all team members. By leveraging our expertise in training concept development and evaluation, as well as our state-of-the-art facilities, we can support you in selecting the most effective training approach for your organisation. Our deep understanding of operational realities allows us to provide actionable advice that is tailored to your specific context and goals.

Training and Simulation

28 March 2025

Augmented and virtual reality

With a legacy of expertise spanning decades in the realm of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, particularly within the aerospace domain, our team is poised to revolutionise the way organisations approach training, simulation, and operation. By leveraging the latest methodologies and technological advancements, we empower experts to enhance their existing programmes or devise novel ones, ultimately optimising their workflow. Our extensive knowledge of the aerospace sector enables us to craft bespoke AR and VR applications that cater to the unique needs of our clients. Moreover, our innovative team is dedicated to collaborating with organisations across all domains to integrate cutting-edge AR and VR solutions that drive meaningful value and growth.

Sustainability and Environment

14 March 2025

NLR and Cryoworld collaborate on flying with liquid hydrogen

NLR is taking a further step towards more sustainable flight by partnering with Cryoworld to develop a liquid hydrogen tank. This follows the agreement with zepp.solutions for a fuel cell system. The new collaboration contributes to NLR's ambition to conduct a demonstration flight on liquid hydrogen in 2026.

Defence and Security

06 February 2025

German Armed Forces drone flies through European upper airspace for the time

On Monday, 3 February, a German drone with a wingspan of 26 metres belonging to the German Armed Forces flew from Germany to the Netherlands and back. The flight was the first in Europe to take place in upper airspace where commercial aircraft fly. The European MALE RPAS project is exploring the integration of uncrewed flights on overall air traffic, with the goal of ensuring safe and efficient coexistence between manned and unmanned aircraft. 

Sustainability and Environment

04 February 2025

Revised and updated DESTINATION 2050 roadmap report published

The Destination 2050 initiative and roadmap developed by NLR and SEO at the request of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO and ERA show an ambitious decarbonisation pathway for European aviation. The new report finds it is still possible to reach net zero in 2050. Nevertheless, it is clear that without short-term action this ambitious decarbonisation pathway will become increasingly more difficult, or even impossible to follow. 

Sustainability and Environment

27 January 2025

The need for disruptive aircraft concepts to address climate change

The EU project EXAELIA aims to accelerate the reduction of aviation emissions and its climate and environmental impacts. The project will evaluate novel flying test beds which are needed for de-risking the development of future long-range aircraft, thereby also helping the European industry to maintain its market position in aviation. The project’s official kick-off meeting was held on 22 January 2025, in Amsterdam. The consortium is coordinated by NLR.