“I was about ten years old when I discovered the NASA Apollo program.”
Michel Peters is CEO of NLR and started his career at this technical-scientific organization some 30 years ago. Just like for many who work there, his passion for aerospace began in his early years. “I was about ten years old when I discovered the NASA Apollo program. I really loved that program. In that respect, I was typically a boy. They all want to become a jet pilot. So did I, but I wear glasses so I did not stand a chance. Otherwise I would certainly have tried it! ”
Following his passion, he went on to study Electrical Engineering at TU Delft, specializing in avionics. After his studies, Michel joined NLR and regularly flew in his spare time. Both gliding and motor. Only there was no time for that at a given moment. Michel tells about how he would really like to start flying again.
“I’m on a plane often enough, but I would like to be at the wheel again.”
‘Where a small country can be great at’
Michel has been CEO of NLR for almost ten years now. A lot has happened during this period. Within the Netherlands, synergy with other research institutes has been strengthened and special forms of cooperation with the business community have been established. Michel describes NLR as a global player; smaller in size than comparable knowledge institutions abroad but playing an important role at a global level. That is due to the professional knowledge and the quality that the NLR team delivers. “NLR is a good example where a small country can be great at. NLR is a knowledge enterprise. With national duties for various ministries and business, but also increasingly operating internationally with clients such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, ESA, Lockheed Martin and the European Union. With regard to the latter, we collaborate a lot with other European knowledge institutions in EU programs such as Clean Sky and SESAR. And we then also apply that knowledge in the Netherlands.”
Megaliner Barrel Programme
When asked about some of NLR’s most important contributions to aviation and space travel, Michel mentions: “The development of the light material GLARE, a combination of metal and fiberglass, resistant to fatigue and used for the hull part of the A380. In addition, the safety research in which NLR has a global position and has been supporting parties in solving complex safety problems for many years.”
Future outlook: sustainable aviation and safety
Zero emission flying is now the biggest challenge for aviation and therefore also for NLR, Michel explains. A goal that must be achievable in 2070 and with which he means the reduction emissions of gases such as NOx and CO2 to zero. This is a lot more difficult to achieve when it comes to noise. “An electrically powered aircraft makes less noise, but still makes noise. It is almost impossible to make an object fly through the air without making a noise. An electric car or train also makes a noise. ”Safety also remains the ultimate goal.”
“Although aviation is already very safe, NLR is aiming for zero accidents.”
Royal NLR and its employees
This year NLR is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The crowning glory on the work of NLR and its employees over the years is surely the Royal predicate to NLR on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. NLR is now the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre.
Michel Peters, and together with him many employees, is filled with pride. “We are very proud that from now on we can use the designation Royal. It is a reward for the work of our employees for 100 years. Their knowledge and expertise is and remains the driving force behind pioneering innovations. The designation is an incentive for the future and strengthens NLR and our employees in our ambition to make aviation and space travel permanently more sustainable. We are determined to make our contribution together with the sector. We are a wonderful organization with ambitious people. I’m very proud of that!”