Capability

Air Traffic Management

26 February 2025

Runway allocation suite

NLR has developed a comprehensive runway allocation suite that provides airports with a tailored solution for optimising runway selection and allocation. This suite includes advanced tools for forecasting runway usage up to 30 hours in advance, as well as reporting mechanisms for monitoring runway allocation deviation and noise distribution. By leveraging this technology, airports can make more informed decisions about runway usage, reduce noise pollution, and improve overall efficiency. The suite is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each airport, with a user-friendly interface that visualises key decision-making parameters and motivations.

Air Traffic Management

26 February 2025

ATM and airports

NLR provides innovative solutions and consultancy services to address Air Traffic Management (ATM) and airport operational problems. We have unique facilities that enable us to create highly realistic simulations of operational environments for area control, approach control, and tower control. Our facilities also include tools for analysing traffic flows and their impact on the environment, as well as plug-in capabilities for integrating customer hardware and software into our simulation environments. Additionally, we offer training facilities for ATM and airport staff that can be tailored to specific customer needs. Our team of experts includes multidisciplinary professionals with expertise in operations, system development, simulation, verification, and validation. We also have the capability to execute test flights to evaluate the quality of service and coverage of CPDLC VDL mode 2 in customer airspace, as well as evaluate issues related to round trip message transfer and handoffs between ground stations to maintain stable connectivity.

Construction and Manufacturing

26 February 2025

Wind tunnel models

NLR delivers and develops wind tunnel models with a range of sophisticated features, including local force and moment balances, air-driven jet engine simulators, air-driven propellers in metal or composite, remote controls for angular adjustment of control surfaces for low or high speed, as well as remote controls for special components like parachutes, refueling hoses, and drogues. Our models can also be equipped with rapid prototyping parts, six-component rotational balances, and extensive arrays of static pressure taps and dynamic pressure transducers.

Construction and Manufacturing

26 February 2025

Wind tunnel equipment

NLR has extensive experience with unique products and is accustomed to prototyping and perfecting custom-engineered devices. Our expertise includes designing and manufacturing specialised devices and tools for wind tunnels, model integration, and enhancement. We have experience in developing remote controls for control surfaces of wind tunnel models, model stings and adapters (also instrumented with strain gauges), test rig support for air-powered propellers including pressure piping, pressure rakes, and six-component balances (also for cryogenic applications). Our expertise extends to designing and manufacturing specialised wind tunnel parts and instrumentation. NLR can help you get the most out of your test by designing, manufacturing, and instrumenting specialised wind tunnel equipment. Support is available from the early beginning of the project until commissioning and beyond.

Data Science and Engineering

26 February 2025

Virtual testing

Virtual testing methods can be employed to reduce time, costs and risks associated with physical testing. This approach involves utilising modelling capabilities for metal and composite test articles in their test setup, allowing for the simulation of various testing scenarios before and during physical testing. By leveraging knowledge of testing procedures, analytical, numerical and experimental methods, the effects of defects, such as fibre waviness, on composite materials can be investigated. Furthermore, Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) methods can be used to inspect test articles for manufacturing defects, providing valuable input for virtual testing. Additionally, optical 3D deformation measurement during physical tests enables correlation with virtual tests, fostering a collaborative environment for simulation, manufacturing and testing teams.

Air Traffic Management

25 February 2025

Concepts for ATM systems

NLR has the knowledge, experience and simulation capabilities to develop and assess concepts for air traffic management (ATM) systems. Our expertise enables us to evaluate the feasibility of these concepts from multiple perspectives, including benefits, human performance, cost, safety, and regulatory compliance. Our experienced aviation researchers and engineers can advise and support you during the implementation of such concepts in your ATM system. Additionally, we have two research aircraft that can fly with all available types of aircraft equipment to test systems and procedures. Our knowledge about the performance and availability of current and expected future aircraft equipment of many airspace users can be translated into realistic and feasible requirements for ATC manufacturers. These requirements ensure seamless co-operation between ground and airborne equipment.

Air Traffic Management

25 February 2025

Concept of operations development

Royal NLR has extensive experience in operational concept development for all aspects of air traffic management (ATM), leveraging applied Research and Development to enhance ATM operations globally. With a proven track record in designing, developing, and validating new ATM concepts, procedures, and support tools, we utilise working methods based on proven international standards, such as E-OCVM and EUROCAE. Our team provides expert ATM operational knowledge, allowing us to speak your language and converse on equal terms. We maintain a clear view on your aims and focus on achievable results, with skilled experts who are able to translate desired goals into concrete solutions.

professional RPAS drone operations
Platform Technology

25 February 2025

Unmanned rotorcraft systems

NLR offers independent research, development and consultancy to Unmanned Rotocraft Systems (URS) stakeholders. We can support you with our ample experience in the flight testing, airworthiness, qualification and certification of both manned and unmanned aircraft. We also have expertise in UAS Regulations, and are involvement in the development of standards (EUROCAE WG-105, ASTM F-38).

Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Balance design and manufacturing

NLR has over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of wind tunnel balances and related wind tunnel equipment. NLR designs and manufactures wind tunnel main balances (internal or external) for operation under various conditions (pressurized, cryogenic). Parameter optimisation routines can be incorporated in the design process by means of finite element methods.