ISTAR functional model

How can aircraft of the future be made more efficient and safer? With the ISTAR (In-flight Systems & Technology Airborne Research) research aircraft - a state-of-the-art in-flight simulator - DLR is developing answers to this key question. Whether manned or unmanned, real or virtual: ISTAR enables the precise investigation of the flight characteristics of new aircraft designs under real operating conditions.

A particular focus is on the "digital twin" of the aircraft. This digital replica makes it possible to precisely plan modifications, maintenance and even operational processes. At the same time, it opens up the possibility of testing new aircraft designs virtually at an early stage. Stationed in Braunschweig, the ISTAR complements Europe's largest civilian research fleet and emphasises DLR's leading role in aeronautics research.

HighFly: New paths in research

Our institute has made impressive progress as part of the HighFly project. Almost 400 flight manoeuvres - at a wide range of altitudes, speeds and dynamics - provided valuable data that was combined with state-of-the-art simulation tools.

Thanks to the digital twin, aircraft can be tested on the computer as early as the concept phase in future. Our researchers will be able to simulate how design changes affect flight characteristics and behaviour. The vision? Simulation-based approvals that could significantly speed up the often lengthy and expensive aviation approval procedures.

Icing studies: travelling safely in frosty conditions

Another field of research at ISTAR is flight behaviour under icing conditions. In the European aviation research programme Clean Sky 2, the scientists investigated how aircraft react to artificially created ice accumulations. They were able to prove that safe flight behaviour is guaranteed even if the anti-icing systems fail - a decisive contribution to flight safety.

Our ISTAR functional model: technology you can touch

The ISTAR functional model is a detailed replica of the research aircraft. Thanks to variable individual parts, it can be used flexibly for different presentation purposes. For example, measuring instruments such as pressure measurement sensors from the HighFly project or ice shapes from the Clean Sky 2 aviation research programme have already been attached to the model to demonstrate current research work.

The ISTAR model is interactive in order to make our aviation research clear and tangible. Using a console, you can

• extend the running gear,
• control the lighting
• extend the landing flaps
• and bend a wing to visualise the structural and therefore aerodynamic loads that prevail in cruising flight.

Technical details at a glance

Scale of the model: 1:13.6

Dimensions of the exhibit:

• Length: 165 cm
• Width: 160 cm
• Height: 50 cm
• Weight: 20 kg

Further links:

Project HighFly

Four hundred flight manoeuvres with ISTAR advance its digital twin