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Platform System Design

04 June 2026

Brochure: Wind tunnel modelling and testing

When an aircraft model enters a wind tunnel, it’s a decisive step in development. Years of development, simulation and numerical analysis are about to face measurable reality.

NLR Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel - AWT at NLR Marknesse
NLR corporate

04 June 2026

Brochure: Research infrastructure

NLR’s research infrastructure comprises a diverse range of facilities and equipment, forming the
foundation of our applied research. Our state-of-the-art facilities are accessible to companies and
other research institutions, allowing for collaborative innovation. In this brochure we present a modest
part of our extensive facilities for aviation, defence and space applications with which we can support
your research projects and R&D activities.

Construction and Manufacturing

26 May 2026

NLR acquires larger ‘shaker’ for complete systems testing

The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) has commissioned a new vibration testing system (‘shaker’). The installation is used to test aircraft and satellite components for resistance to shocks and vibrations. With this new equipment, NLR can now also test complete systems. The vibration test system, a TIRA 59412 model, is one of the most powerful of its kind. The machine is large enough to test complete satellites weighing up to one tonne, with a maximum mounting surface of more than 1 x 1 metre.

Sustainability and Environment

16 February 2026

R&D case: Liquid hydrogen composite tanks for civil aviation

Hydrogen has been identified as a key priority to achieve the European Green Deal for a sustainable economy. By converting the construction of the hydrogen tank from existing metallic solutions to composites, the liquid hydrogen (LH2) composite tank will achieve weight savings that enable the advancement of liquid hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for civil aviation. This will lower the carbon footprint of air travel and extend the flight range of aircraft by reducing construction weight and cost.

Platform System Design

15 December 2025

Opening of the Energy to Propulsion Test Facility aftermovie

On 28 November 2025, NLR officially opened the Energy to Propulsion Test Facility (EPTF) at NLR in Marknesse. The EPTF facilitates research to accelerate sustainable propulsion systems of aircraft. The new test facility is an important step in the innovation process. It bridges the gap between scientific research and practical implementation by companies. This unique facility offers researchers from NLR and other knowledge institutions, as well as startups, SMEs, and industrial parties, the opportunity to conduct tests on hydrogen-electric propulsion systems.

ATTILA tiltrotor whirl flutter shakedown test in DNW LLF.
Platform System Design

24 June 2025

NLR introduces the Trim Excitation Device for precise wind tunnel testing

Recently, NLR has taken a significant step in the development of innovative technologies for the aerospace industry. With the introduction of a Trim Excitation Device (TED), we are taking a next step in the precision and accuracy of wind tunnel testing for tiltrotor aircraft. The development contributes to NLR’s ambition to be an innovation leader in the field of wind tunnel testing.