Within DLR aeronautics research, six key concepts address the core challenges in air transport for safe and environmentally sustainable flight. They focus programmatic control on target products and do this across discipline and institute boundaries. The aim is to pursue and implement key technologies together with industry within the framework of national guiding concepts and international programmes. This aim extends to the virtual integration of an innovative aircraft.
Scientists and engineers from various DLR institutes and research disciplines work closely together on innovations for aeronautics. They cover the entire air transport system, from individual components and the technical challenges of entire aircraft to the complex interplay of air traffic. The aim is to carry out a complete life cycle and technology assessment.
Aircraft flying over city
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
At DLR, a short-haul aircraft that meets the QSTOL requirements for quiet take-off and landing on short runways is to be designed and assessed as a complete system. As early as the design phase, it is being considered how the aircraft fits into the overall air transport system. |
Long-haul aircraft
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
In essence, the aim is to achieve maximum transport performance with new aircraft configurations that use less resources and thus carry more passengers per long-haul flight. Innovative aircraft designs that fulfil all these expectations as far as is possible are to be devised and considered at DLR. |
Efficient air traffic management
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
Efficient air traffic management New mechanisms for air traffic management designed for highly-optimised operations are to be developed at DLR. A constantly safe and resilient air transport system will be controlled in an environment-friendly way to increase capacity and efficiency. |
Rescue helicopter
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
The rescue helicopters of the future will be expected to reach their destination quickly, safely, quietly and flexibly, even over long distances and in all weather conditions, around the clock. A helicopter configuration is to be designed at DLR specifically for these missions. |
Uncrewed cargo transport
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
At DLR, civilian applications of uncrewed aerial systems are to be demonstrated. In the future, uncrewed aerial systems will be able to fly in controlled civilian airspace and be used as reliable cargo transporters. |
Virtual product
Sketch
DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
|
At DLR, the ‘virtual product’ will be placed at the forefront of the research work. The virtual product generally refers to the highly-accurate mathematical-numerical representation of a new aircraft with all its properties and components, such as aerodynamics, systems and engines. |
