To be capable of holistic simulation and approval of components and technologies as well as their integration in the overall aircraft is a strategic goal of DLR. This is an ambitious goal since the multidisciplinary research approach must integrate different topic areas and take into consideration the entire life cycle including production, maintenance, repair and operation from the very beginning. Our institute actively supports this strategic goal with a strategic field researching on system lightweight construction from the overall design of the aircraft up to its certification. With its core competencies, the institute provides new methods and tools for efficient structural development and assessment like, for example, in the Virtual Product House (VPH) in Bremen.