Construction and Manufacturing

Construction and Manufacturing

25 June 2026

Three NLR projects with SME partners receive funding from Holland High Tech

NLR is set to conduct research into radiation-resistant chips for use in space (with the company Spherical Systems); the production of rocket engines using additive manufacturing (with Ignarion); and the 3D printing of boat hulls (IMPACD Boats and Tectonic-3D). All three projects will be carried out in collaboration with Dutch high-tech companies. The projects will receive financial support from Holland High Tech as part of the SME Defence Call 2025.

Defence and Security

04 June 2026

The human element behind future-proof defence

In a world filled with uncertainty, technological acceleration, and complex multi-domain conflicts, designing future-proof military capabilities poses  a significant challenge. Wargaming offers a powerful means of  exposing assumptions, testing ideas, and stimulating critical thinking. A recently published article in the JAPCC Journal, co-authored by Antoine de Reus (NLR) and Lieutenant Colonel Gwendolyn Bakx (Royal Netherlands Air Force), explores the human factor behind future-proof defence.

Sustainability and Environment

04 June 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.

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.

Construction and Manufacturing

03 March 2026

Enabling technology for lightweight structures and materials: the story of Eddytec

Eddytec is an innovative startup tackling a persistent issue in the manufacturing industry. Testing carbon composite materials is often time-consuming, complex, and costly. The company uses their technology to make this process faster, more efficient, and better integrated. With support from NLR, the startup is taking important steps towards technical validation and market application. We spoke to CEO and founder dr. Alina Chanaewa about how Eddytec grew from idea to impact. 

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.