Research infrastructure

Avionics Prototyping Environment (APERO)

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: 

  • New aircraft and cockpit designs
  • New systems and procedures for more economical flying
  • New flight procedures for quieter take-offs and landings

Main features

NLR develops all APERO software in-house, ensuring flexibility and ease of modification. Our ‘Hardware-In-The-Loop’ approach incorporates real aircraft systems into the simulation environment, providing a highly realistic experience. Additionally, APERO can be interfaced with other simulators, including NARSIM air traffic control simulator and other aircraft simulators.

The following aircraft can be simulated by APERO: 

  • AIRBUS A320/A330/A340
  • Boeing 747-400
  • Fokker 100
  • Cessna Citation II
  • Experimental aircraft