Aeronautics

Scientists in DLR aeronautics research work on increasing the performance capability and economy of the air transport system, on reducing flight noise and harmful emissions and on guaranteeing safety. These goals are also targeted within the scope of European collaboration in the EREA Network For this purpose, the DLR has at its command specially equipped research aircrafts such as FALCON, ATRA and, in future, HALO.

This is why the programme is driving forward its networking with European partners, especially with its French and Dutch partner organisations ONERA and NLR. The programme currently focuses on the continuing development of transport aircraft in collaboration with ONERA, on improving the flight guidance technology in collaboration with the NLR and on expanding the DLR-NLR wind tunnel network by integrating the wind tunnels operated by ONERA. The work on fixedwing aircraft has been pooled under the umbrella of DLR/ONERA Aircraft Research.

The helicopter research conducted under the cooperative heading of DLR/ ONERA Rotorcraft Research focuses in particular on expanding the range of application while ensuring flight safety even under difficult weather conditions, and, at the same time, aims to improve the environmental compatibility of this air transport system.

Another topic addresses efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion systems. Here the aim is to equally optimise all components of jet engines. In doing so, new concepts for jet engines are also examined, such as turbofan engines with a very high by-pass ratio and non-sheathed engines.

Research on the programme topic “ATM and Flight Operations” concentrates on the field of Air Traffic Management, in particular for the close proximity of airports, but to a special degree also on environmental issues as regards operations. In addition to noise, the aspect of the climate compatibility of air traffic has been moved to the foreground in the last period of time.