Programme Operational availability
NLR supports Defence, the aviation industry, MRO and maintenance companies and airlines in the development and application of innovative, sustainable solutions for maintenance, inspection and repair.
In this way, NLR wants to contribute to the optimisation of the material availability and the cost effective use of aircraft, helicopters, drones, wind turbines and other complex systems. Through this, we help to improve the operational effectiveness of the armed forces and the competitive position of businesses.
Objectives
NLR wants to become the centre of expertise in aircraft maintenance and fleet replacement, and in sustainable materials and coatings in aircraft maintenance. Areas of work include developing accepted techniques and procedures for composite repairs, inspection techniques, maintenance concepts for electric flying, AI-based maintenance optimisation and autonomous visual aircraft inspection.
- By 2025, we will have developed a product to monitor the ‘health’ of an aircraft. We will also have created a digital ‘twin’ for monitoring electric aircraft, and developed ideas for an improved training system for maintenance personnel.
- By 2035, we will have developed sustainable, innovative solutions that monitor when an aircraft needs maintenance, and the type of maintenance it needs.
- By 2050, we will have developed methods and technologies via which aircraft can plan their own maintenance themselves, most of which will be carried out by robots.
Approach
We are developing techniques for predicting and determining maintenance needs and techniques for sustainable repairs. Other areas of focus include organisational processes and the training of maintenance personnel.