Spotlight on partners series

After a presentation of some of our French, Netherland and German partners, today we are presenting one of our Italian partner : CIRA – Italian Aerospace Research Centre.

CIRA was founded in 1984 by the Italian government, with the ambition of following Europe’s lead during that decade and placing a much stronger emphasis on research and innovation.

To ensure coherence between CIRA’s objectives and the requirements of the national strategy, CIRA counts among its shareholders the Italian National Research council, Italy, the Regione Campania consortium, and some of the main Italian aerospace companies and SMEs. CIRA can hereby adapt its goals and optimise its aviation sector contribution to the country’s economic and social development.

CIRA displays impresive numbers: 

• 370 employees (70% are researchers and technicians)
• Within Horizon2020 and HorizonEurope : 45 millions EUR received in funding and 85 signed grants
• Various expertise, ranging from the study of aeronautical and space vehicules, to the development of innovative systems to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft, increase flight safety, make air traffic management more efficient, and develop enabling technologies for future space transportation systems, as well as activities related to Earth Observation
• Italy’s #1 aerospace research infrastructure, used by institutions and industries around the world
• A fellow member of the EREA – European Research Establishments in Aeronautics 

Over the years, the government entrusted CIRA to manage the Italian Aerospace Research Program PRORA, and is tasked to :

• Support the aerospace sector with it’s scientific and technical expertise.
• Initiate/participate in R&D projects on national/international level.
• Train scientists/technicians whilst intensifying cooperation with aeronautical start-ups, increasing competitiveness and expanding the scope with emerging business opportunities (Security, Environment).

In EXAELIA, CIRA is hoping to build on the work of past aviation project (AMBER PROJECT; HERWINGT Project; INDIGO EU Project …), and place EXAELIA in the continuity of its past flight demo activities carried out within CS2-LPA (Scaled Flight Demo and DEP Scaled Flight Demo), hoping to:

• Develop a common flying platform, which CIRA could use to mature its technologies.
• Extend its researcher’s knowledge on future trends for : FLRA configurations, future aircraft and propulsive technologies, flying test needs and FTBs.
• Create a network on FTB theme in view of EXAELIA follow up (detailed design/manufacturing/testing of FTBs).

Overall CIRA contributes in making airplanes cheaper, quieter, and cleaner, bringing the next generation of airplanes closer to entry into market phase.