With the AIRCab+ large-scale research facility, we are researching innovative and disruptive design and integration approaches for the cabin of the future and its systems.
AIRCab+ consists of a fully equipped 20-metre-long fuselage segment of a long-haul aircraft and thus forms a unique platform for testing new technologies under realistic conditions and validating the digital methods developed at DLR.
The cabin and cargo area is fully equipped. This includes cabin systems (electrical, water, air), interior fittings, galley and washrooms.
With AIRCab+, we want to address the following research priorities, among others:
Digitalisation and development of future aircraft and sustainable components and systems
Rapid evaluation of new cabin concepts through modular and reconfigurable design
Validation of the complete end-to-end digitalisation of the cabin design and production process - from idea to production
Testing of new technologies to accelerate climate-friendly aviation
Testing of system integration and installation while identifying and considering interactions and strengthening functional synergies
Collection of cabin data through permanently installed sensor technology
In addition to the aircraft fuselage, a prototyping space will be created to implement and test innovative ideas for cabin design as well as manufacturing and industrialisation concepts at an early stage.
With AIRCab+, we want to provide a research platform to significantly advance our joint research and developments together with partners. In doing so, we want to strengthen the local, national and European aviation industry.
The large-scale research facility is currently under construction and is expected to be available for research in 2027.
