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Construction and Manufacturing

18 September 2026

Booklet: Composites Research and Development

A key objective for more efficient and sustainable aircraft is to make lightweight, durable and affordable parts which are designed for ease of maintenance. To be allowed to use parts made of new materials like composite and metal additive printed components in an industry like aviation, all of the materials must be accompanied by the right certification. NLR takes care of the entire process, from calculation and design all the way through to manufacturing, repair and certification. NLR assesses material properties, develops structural concepts and manufacturing technologies, designs components and builds parts up to the level of full scale prototypes. Spanning the entire spectrum of product development is what makes NLR unique.

Sustainability and Environment

18 September 2026

Booklet: R&D More electric and hydrogen-electric powered aerospace

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.

Space Technology

18 September 2026

Booklet: Overview space capabilities

Royal NLR works closely with industry and government to design satellites, payloads and launchers systems, as well as subsystems, such as thermal control systems, electronics and antennas. We also invest in state-of-the-art facilities to accelerate our research and develop new space capabilities by leveraging our expertise in aerospace-qualified lightweight composite structures, multi-metal additive manufacturing, and the effective use of Earth observation and satellite navigation data for both civil and military applications.

F35 in de lucht
Defence and Security

02 July 2026

NLR Portfolio: Innovations for Military Capabilities

For over a century, Royal NLR has been a dedicated and knowledge-based innovator. Proud of our royal predicate, we act as a strategic partner for the entire Netherlands Defence organisation.
We focus on timely capability development to bolster national security. We build operational flexibility directly into defence systems through sustainable solutions, ranging from alternative energy to unmanned vehicles. When rapidly evolving threats emerge, our 'fast innovation lane' quickly adapts civil technology for immediate military use. This forward-thinking approach extends to mobility as well. We are shaping the future of transport by integrating aviation with other networks and pioneering smaller, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Platform System Design

04 June 2026

Brochure: Wind tunnel modelling and testing

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.

NLR Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel - AWT at NLR Marknesse
NLR corporate

04 June 2026

Brochure: Research infrastructure

NLR’s research infrastructure comprises a diverse range of facilities and equipment, forming the
foundation of our applied research. Our state-of-the-art facilities are accessible to companies and
other research institutions, allowing for collaborative innovation. In this brochure we present a modest
part of our extensive facilities for aviation, defence and space applications with which we can support
your research projects and R&D activities.

Air Traffic Management

29 May 2026

Booklet: R&D solutions for Air Traffic Management

The challenge for civil aviation operators is to achieve competitive and sustainable aviation. The growing demand to increase efficiency, sustainability, safety and security, enhance resilience and reduce costs requires innovative solutions.