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NLR is the strategic knowledge partner of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in this research area and also works closely with other parts of Defence. We are working with the Air Force to modernise the education and training programme. There is a particular focus on learning ecosystems and data-driven training (Performance Based Training). With our facilities, knowledge and expertise, we support Defence in the field of Concept Development & Experimentation (CD&E). And we work with industry on innovative simulation applications for education and training.

The aerospace industry is innovating in every possible way. NLR develops the knowledge that enables companies to develop new, more sustainable aircraft. This includes new aircraft concepts (including vertical flight platforms and drones), more efficient aerodynamic shapes and new methods of propulsion, aeroacoustics, avionics systems, and power and thermal management.

Aircraft inspections can be tedious. They require highly trained technicians with a sharp eye to detect defects. Aircraft inspections can also be difficult. Some defects are very small or hidden and difficult to detect, with or without inspection tools like mirrors, looking glasses, multi-meters, non-destructive testing devices, and so on. Royal NLR has spent the last years searching for technological solutions to improve the detection of multiple defect types using multi-sensor technology and automated defect recognition software.

What if we can tell you, how your component or system is going to fail, before it fails? Does it help you with your troubleshooting? Or does it help you with your repair planning or to scope repairs if you preventively removed a working component?

“Through this programme, we are helping the development of aerospace vehicles for both civil and military applications. If you look at civil aviation, there are major challenges relating to climate impact. We’re using this programme to try to help, creating lighter structures by using lighter materials, with more sustainable propulsion and the associated system innovations. It’s important for us that Dutch industry – and in due course its clients – can physically implement the solutions.”

“The relatively small patch of airspace above the Netherlands is used very intensively. Take small aircraft and helicopters, for instance, or large passenger planes… and then there are military aircraft, up-and-coming craft such as drones and new spacecraft that can operate in the upper strata of the airspace. Getting all those users to work together efficiently and safely is going to need research. That’s what we’re doing in the Safe and Competitive Operations programme. We’re looking at how you can help all the users in the Netherlands to utilise the airspace safely, sustainably, efficiently and effectively. For instance, we’re looking at the options for making use of machine learning and other new technologies, and how using them in operational situations can be made demonstrably safe.”