Department Military Aircraft
WTD61
Due to their complexity and versatile configurations in conjunction with sometimes contradictory requirements like mission effectiveness vs. airworthiness requirements in civil airspace, military aircraft are a highly demanding field of engineering. Within this context the Military Aircraft department deals with topics like flight mechanics, flight control, assistance systems, cockpit layout and aircraft equipment for manned and unmanned military aircraft. In addition, specific military topics like aerial delivery and the cargo handling system, air-to-air refueling, advanced air data systems and unpaved runway operations are tackled.
Special consideration is given to an alignment of research projects with the needs of the German Armed Forces and supporting them in the frame of current projects in military aviation starting from the early concept and definition phase up to mid-term upgrades. This support concerns aspects of certification (airworthiness), qualification (mission effectiveness/contractual aspects) and verification, e.g. by means of flight or rig tests.
The Military Aircraft department is located at the site of the Bundeswehr Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft (WTD 61) in Manching and collaborates closely with experts from the German Armed Forces and their civil servants in projects like A400M, Eurofighter, EuroMALE and FCAS as well as military research projects. The continuous exchange with test pilots, weapon system officers, drone and payload operators and other specialized personnel in conjunction with the on-site simulators of the department allows a quick and easy implementation and evaluation of new ideas and concepts and a rapid iteration.