Construction and Manufacturing

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.

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.

Construction and Manufacturing

28 November 2025

Unique in the EU: Modular EPTF Test Facility for Hydrogen-Powered Flight

With the opening of the Energy to Propulsion Test Facility (EPTF), NLR now operates a unique, modular test facility designed to support research. At present, the focus lies on hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion. The new facility provides startups, SMEs and industrial partners with optimal conditions to safely and thoroughly test complex innovations in this field. In doing so, NLR contributes to accelerating aviation sustainability.

Construction and Manufacturing

21 November 2025

Royal NLR partners with Lockheed Martin on airframe repair and life extension capabilities

Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre will work together with Lockheed Martin on the development of small crack methodologies for airframe lifing over the next three years. In this project LM and NLR will share and exchange technical knowledge and experiences on small crack methodologies applied to laser peening and cold spray technologies

Construction and Manufacturing

06 June 2025

R&D case: Laser ultrasonic inspection of complex-shaped composites

The manufacturing of complex-shaped composites is becoming increasingly common, driving up demand for fast automated quality control. Laser ultrasonic testing can be a viable technique to achieve this, as it is fast and contactless. However, it requires the inspected part to be perpendicular to the laser beam, posing a challenge for the positioning of the laser or part. Combining laser ultrasonics with optical 3D scanning can overcome this challenge and realise a fast automated quality assurance system for composite manufacturing.