Our Year in Review 2024

1 minute read

We look back on a dynamic and challenging year. The research projects we undertook this past year highlight the critical role of research and innovation in shaping the future. From tackling complex questions to driving impactful solutions, we are proud of what we have achieved together with our partners in 2024.

While it is impossible to summarise every project, we take great pride in the progress we have made, particularly within our three strategic priorities: Sustainable aviation, Competitive aerospace, and a Safe and secure society.

To showcase the scope and significance of our work, we have selected a few research projects, presented in the video below.

Enjoy!

The people behind NLR’s ground-breaking innovations

Our talented professionals work tirelessly on new technology to develop cutting-edge solutions that respond to global challenges and align with modern market demands. In the series ‘NLR People’ we’ve showcased their roles and professional motivations throughout 2024, shining a light on the expertise and determination behind our achievements.

Read about their stories here.

Latest news

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Safety and Human performance

16 December 2025

Cosmic radiation threatens the reliability of aircraft systems

Recently, a remarkable incident made the news: thousands of Airbus aircraft worldwide were grounded after cosmic radiation disrupted digital electronic systems. A problem long familiar in space applications is becoming increasingly relevant for aviation. Ongoing digitalisation is making modern systems more vulnerable to invisible radiation from space.

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.

Training and Simulation

21 November 2025

Royal NLR and Lockheed Martin collaborate on e-Pilot capability development

Together with its partners, Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) will work closely with Lockheed Martin to advance the development of an e-Pilot capability that enhances human-machine teaming in military aviation over the next six years. Lockheed Martin will share technical knowledge and experiences on e-Pilot technology to assist NLR and its partners in developing their own intellectual property within the sense, assess and augment architecture.