NLR Code of Conduct

For over a century now, Royal NLR has been an ambitious centre of expertise for aviation in the
Netherlands, expanding that since the launch of the first satellite in 1957 to include aerospace
technology. Our knowledge and expertise have made us one of the driving forces in the aerospace
sector, both in our own country and elsewhere. Our staff search tirelessly for new technology and
have the courage to look into the future, translating trends and developments into actual solutions for
the market. That drive is helping us make the world of transport safer, greener, more efficient and
more effective.

We’re what the Dutch like to call the ‘spider in the web’ – an essential central figure, controlling and
linking together elements such as science, governmental authorities and the commercial sector.
We do that for instance at state-of-the-art research facilities. In aerospace, we are the Dutch
government’s strategic partner, and we put just as much effort into every project, whether we’re
working for SMEs or major international corporations.

Latest Downloads

Construction and Manufacturing

18 September 2026

Booklet: Composites Research and Development

A key objective for more efficient and sustainable aircraft is to make lightweight, durable and affordable parts which are designed for ease of maintenance. To be allowed to use parts made of new materials like composite and metal additive printed components in an industry like aviation, all of the materials must be accompanied by the right certification. NLR takes care of the entire process, from calculation and design all the way through to manufacturing, repair and certification. NLR assesses material properties, develops structural concepts and manufacturing technologies, designs components and builds parts up to the level of full scale prototypes. Spanning the entire spectrum of product development is what makes NLR unique.

Sustainability and Environment

18 September 2026

Booklet: R&D More electric and hydrogen-electric powered aerospace

Hydrogen as a fuel is considered to be an important route towards future sustainable aviation. For aviation
applications, hydrogen presents several key advantages: it allows for the elimination of carbon emissions in
flight and along the entire life cycle. Its usage in fuel cells allows eliminating NOx and particles. When burnt
in a turbine engine, very low particle emissions can be expected, as well as reduced NOx emissions, provided that the combustion system is optimised. However, water vapour emissions need to be carefully managed.

Space Technology

18 September 2026

Booklet: Overview space capabilities

Royal NLR works closely with industry and government to design satellites, payloads and launchers systems, as well as subsystems, such as thermal control systems, electronics and antennas. We also invest in state-of-the-art facilities to accelerate our research and develop new space capabilities by leveraging our expertise in aerospace-qualified lightweight composite structures, multi-metal additive manufacturing, and the effective use of Earth observation and satellite navigation data for both civil and military applications.