Research infrastructure

Our Advanced Mechanical Manufacturing Facility specialises in high-tech, high-spec lightweight structural concepts for wind tunnel models in metal, laminates, and composites. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including product design, topology optimisation, production concept assessment, and manufacturing of prototype structures, smart wind tunnel models, and small production runs. By utilising 3D printing technology (metal […]

The ACM3 Field lab (Automated Composites Manufacturing, Metal Manufacturing and Maintenance) is a world-class facility that offers high-tech equipment and expertise for the development of lightweight products. Its primary focus is on paving the way for automated manufacturing of advanced composite structures, with a strong emphasis on supporting the composites industry and companies that are […]

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. Among other things, APERO can be used to test and evaluate:  Main […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

NARSIM is a real-time, human in the loop (HITL) Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulator capable of simulating the full working environment and working conditions of air traffic controllers in detail. As such, it provides a platform for training, validation and conducting research in a controlled environment on all aspects of air traffic control and the […]

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, […]

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. The Cessna Citation II research aircraft offers opportunities to perform a wide variety of flight test applications. Extensive modifications have turned this pressurised, twin-engined business jet into a […]

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. The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first electrically powered aircraft to be certified in Europe in 2018. NLR has had this aircraft since the end of 2020, which […]

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. We can assist you in manufacturing and machining your test articles and help you to […]

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 […]

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 […]