Research infrastructure

The Avionics Prototyping Environment for Research and Operations (APERO) is a versatile and transportable research flight simulator designed to facilitate a range of applications, including avionics display design and evaluation, demonstration of innovative cockpit concepts, part-task training exercises, and networked flight simulation scenarios.

Materials and equipment used in aerospace applications have to meet a wide range of special requirements, mainly due to the specific environment in which aircraft and spacecraft have to perform reliably and safely. NLR’s extensive capabilities and expertise in the field of airworthiness certification is complemented with state-of-art research infrastructure for aerospace systems performance and airworthiness compliance testing.

The Flow Duct Facility (NLR-FDF) contributes to research on noise reduction techniques to reduce aircraft noise. The research is carried out during the early development phase (low TRL) or to improve existing systems. The research is conducted during the early development phase (low TRL) or to improve existing systems. The FDF is a closed-loop wind tunnel for testing sound in turbine simulation at flow dimensions and speeds. Upstream and downstream of the test section, anechoic chambers are positioned to accurately measure sound levels.

The NLR Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology Centre (MAMTeC) covers more than 50 years of materials experience in aerospace applications, technology development and product innovation. NLR can help you develop the process more efficiently, from optimised parameters, post-processing approaches, evaluation of mechanical properties, design optimisation and process simulation through to the qualification and certification of metal–additive manufacturing (AM) products.

The NLR Drone Centre provides a dedicated environment for conducting (experimental) flight tests, evaluations, and demonstrations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and sensor applications, as well as facilitating UAS concept development. The NLR Drone Centre in Marknesse has its own restricted airspace with the necessary authorisations and exemptions to facilitate these activities. It offers developers, manufacturers and business users, both civil and military, the opportunity to carry out test flights needed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by UAS developments. 

NLR’s research aircraft are essential for testing new flight procedures and technologies. NLR operates two research aircraft: the Cessna Citation II and the electric Pipistrel Velis Electro.

NLR’s research aircraft are essential for testing new flight procedures and technologies. NLR operates two research aircraft: the Cessna Citation II and the electric Pipistrel Velis Electro.

NLR acts as a one-stop-shop for “Non-Standard” testing and certification of aircraft parts, structures and materials. The Test House facilitates inspection, testing, characterisation and failure analysis. This can be done on material level, coupon level, component level or full-scale level.

Materials and equipment used in aerospace applications have to meet a wide range of special requirements, mainly due to the specific environment in which aircraft and spacecraft have to perform reliably and safely. NLR’s extensive capabilities and expertise in the field of airworthiness certification is complemented with state-of-art research infrastructure for aerospace systems performance and airworthiness compliance testing.

Materials and equipment used in aerospace applications have to meet a wide range of special requirements, mainly due to the specific environment in which aircraft and spacecraft have to perform reliably and safely. NLR’s extensive capabilities and expertise in the field of airworthiness certification is complemented with state-of-art research infrastructure for aerospace systems performance and airworthiness compliance testing.