Spotlight on partners series
As part of our EXAELIA Partner Spotlight series, we are pleased to introduce the coordinator of the EXAELIA project: NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre.
Founded over a century ago, NLR has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation in the Netherlands and beyond. In recognition of its longstanding excellence, NLR was awarded the ‘Royal’ designation in 2019, becoming Royal NLR. This honour reflects the organisation’s exceptional contributions to the aerospace sector, both nationally and internationally.
A Legacy of Innovation
Royal NLR has achieved numerous global firsts in aerospace technology, such as:
- Developing the world’s first air brakes;
- Designing the first digital flight data recorder in 1962, enabling real-time measurement and storage;
- Being the first to successfully design supercritical aerofoils.
A Global Leader with Dutch Roots
Today, NLR is recognised as a key player in global aerospace, supported by:
- Over 800 experts serving the needs of industry, research, and policy stakeholders worldwide;
- Comprehensive capabilities, covering the full development lifecycle — from research and development to certification and qualification;
- A multidisciplinary approach, integrating all major aerospace competencies under one roof;
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels, simulators, experimental aircraft, and testing infrastructure;
- Recognition as an EASA Qualified Entity, authorised for product certification, flight standards approval, and ATM/ANS assessment;
- A culture focused on innovation, impact, and practicality, delivering real-world solutions to complex challenges.
NLR’s Role in EXAELIA
In the EXAELIA project, NLR leads the coordination and oversees strategic implementation, with a particular emphasis on dissemination, exploitation, and long-term impact. Drawing on its strong track record in managing EU-funded projects, NLR ensures robust collaboration among all partners and alignment with Europe’s climate and innovation goals. As a founding member of Clean Aviation, NLR actively contributes to shaping the future of sustainable air transport.
Departments Involved in EXAELIA
Five departments from NLR are directly engaged in the project:
- AVCE – Collaborative Engineering Systems
- ASTC – Flight Test & Certification
- AOSE – Sustainability and Environment
- AVVA – Vertical Flight & Aeroacoustics
- AVFP – Flight Physics & Loads
Related Projects
NLR’s expertise in EXAELIA builds on its involvement in several European R&D initiatives, including:
AGILE4.0, LARGE PASSENGER AIRCRAFT (Clean Sky 2), IMOTHEP, NEXTTRIP & HIGHTRIP, IMPACT MONITOR, and several Clean Aviation projects such as UPWING, AWATAR, CLAIM, CONCERTO, AMBER, and HERA.
Through EXAELIA, Royal NLR will continue its mission to support the development of next-generation aircraft, experimental flying testbeds, and sustainability assessment methods—driving progress toward a climate-neutral aviation sector by 2050.
