04 June 2026
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.
04 June 2026
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.
30 May 2026
Royal NLR works closely with both industry and government on developing satellites, payloads and launchers systems and subsystems, such as thermal control systems, electronics and antennas. We also offer unique capabilities in the area of aerospace qualified lightweight composite structures and multi-metal additive manufacturing, and on the effective use of earth observation and satellite navigation data for both civil and military use.
29 May 2026
Drones are a key enabler for innovative solutions to tackle rapidly changing societal, economic and security
challenges. NLR is the knowledge partner in this field for industry and government. We offer support in the
development, implementation and societal acceptance of unmanned and autonomous aviation, taking into
account safety and minimal nuisance. We help with the realisation of safe, sustainable and affordable drone systems and the harnessing of commercial opportunities, and we support the manufacturers in the area of drones and Innovative Air Mobility (IAM).
25 February 2026
The development of the Ariane 6 launcher was geared towards creating a reliable, flexible, and competitive European launch system. NLR played an important role in this endeavour by providing wind tunnel models at various development stages.
15 December 2025
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.
24 June 2025
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.
