DLR aeronautics research is responsible for strengthening the competitiveness of the national and European aeronautics industry and air transport economy, thereby meeting the requirements of policy-makers and society. The key goals build on a foundation of research from the first round of programme-oriented funding which for the most part will be continued in the second round: research to raise the competitiveness, efficiency and performance of the air transport system, reducing aircraft noise pollution and harmful emissions, and guaranteeing air safety.

These goals are targeted within the scope of European collaboration in the EREA Network. Research in these five research areas is conducted with the help of particularly equipped research aircraft, with the research aircraft HALO and ATRA deserving particular mention.