Platform Technology

Platform Technology

25 February 2025

Airborne wind energy

NLR can support the development of innovative Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) concepts through design and product development, as well as advanced analysis and optimisation of wind energy system behaviour. We also offer expertise in structural design of lightweight components, material selection for high-load long-endurance components, and evaluation of wind energy systems under off-design conditions. Additionally, we provide strength, endurance and quality testing of components for wind energy systems, helping to ensure the reliability and performance of your wind energy solutions.

Platform Technology

24 February 2025

Aircraft component design

NLR can help you achieve better aircraft component design in less time and at lower costs. Our expertise enables product improvement, weight reduction, and minimisation of production and maintenance costs, while ensuring compliance with environmental constraints. We focus on optimising critical components such as wings, control surfaces like flaps and tail planes, structural parts, fuselage panels, floor beams, and propellers. By leveraging our knowledge and capabilities, you can enhance the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of your aircraft components, ultimately increasing competitiveness and reducing environmental impact while improving overall safety and reliability.

Platform Technology

24 February 2025

Engine liner testing

The design and optimisation of engine nacelle and exhaust acoustic lining materials is crucial for reducing noise pollution and improving overall engine performance. However, verifying the effectiveness of these materials can be a complex task. NLR can assist in the design and experimental verification of engine nacelle and exhaust acoustic lining materials, as well as provide a quick comparison of the damping characteristics of various acoustic liner panels. Additionally, we can help validate the effects of grazing flow on the acoustic impedance, ensuring that your engine liner design meets the required standards and performs optimally.

PAL-V Liberty at Breda Airport 2021
Platform Technology

28 November 2024

PAL-V and NLR complete rotor development, entering industrialisation phase

PAL-V, known for its FlyDrive mobility solutions, announces a significant milestone in their collaboration with Royal NLR. The two parties have successfully completed the development of the rotor blades for the PAL-V Liberty, marking the beginning of the industrialization phase. This achievement brings PAL-V another step closer to serial production of its flying car.

Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites
Construction and Manufacturing

27 November 2024

R&D case: Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites

This research project aimed to develop additively manufactured propellant tanks using non-standard metals for use in ESPA and ESPA Grande-class satellites. The propulsion systems of Dawn Aerospace use self-pressurizing propellants, eliminating the need for helium pressurants and propellant management devices. This allows for flexible, custom tank designs without additional systems, making Dawn’s propulsion systems simpler, faster to manufacture, and more cost-effective. This flexibility enables Dawn to accommodate various customer needs. The project contributes to the objectives of the Dutch space policy in the NSO roadmap for satellite systems and aligns with ESA’s goals.

iMWP beamformer - hybrid PIC assembly
Space Technology

14 November 2024

Cutting-edge photonics for future proof microwave communication

Microwave photonics enables communication systems on satellites and aircraft to be smaller and lighter. Royal NLR and LioniX International will work together with Lockheed Martin on novel photonic solutions for microwave systems. This cutting-edge technology will speed up and improve secure communication.

Drone at NLR Drone Centre
Platform Technology

11 October 2024

Satellite navigation brings autonomous drones one step closer

Drones have many new applications in society, such as accelerating the energy transition and improving health care. How? For instance, by quickly transporting donor organs or blood from one hospital to another or by inspecting wind turbines at sea to prevent downtime. There are endless ways to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), in other words, drones, now and in the future.