Fraunhofer Aviation

Fraunhofer is also active in the field of aviation in the development of innovative solutions for sustainable, safe and efficient aviation as well as the development of future-proof technologies along the entire value chain.

Its expertise ranges from new materials, manufacturing processes and lightweight aircraft structures to efficient propulsion systems, alternative energy sources, electronics, avionics and quantum technologies.

New mobility concepts like Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS, UAV) are also part of Fraunhofer's work, as is the strengthening of cyber security in aviation.

Another focus is on aviation logistics, where processes and technologies are being further developed to increase efficiency and sustainability.

The aim is to support the aviation industry in its transformation and provide future-proof technologies.

Aerospace is a technology-intensive industry sector that has a significant impact on economic and socio-political life. Aviation facilitates global mobility and thus creates the prerequisite for cultural and economic networking. Space technology promotes this global mobility by providing satellite navigation and communication. Orbit-based earth observation instruments can be used to solve essential questions on the protection of the climate and environment and satellite communications provides connectivity for mobile applications and in remote areas.

With its broad portfolio of expertise, Fraunhofer supports the strategies of the European aerospace industry and helps to secure and expand its competitive position. An important core element here is the sustainability of materials, components and processes, both in the development and in the utilization phase. In addition, Fraunhofer provides in-depth expertise in various fields of technology, such as optics, sensors, communication, automation, as well as digitalization and AI. To this end, Fraunhofer makes important contributions to national and European research funding programs (e.g. the LuFo program and InnoSpace Masters or Clean Sky 2, Clean Aviation, ESA spaceflight programs and Horizon Europe). Fraunhofer also works closely with corresponding associations, for example: BDLI, BDI and EASN.

Approaches to Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE are organized via a central office, subdivided into two units for AVIATION and SPACE, that addresses the closely connected aerospace sectors. Here, industry, science and politics gain access to the technology portfolio of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for these sectors. The central office supports, among other things, the identification of suitable contact persons at the institutes and organizes cross-institute technology offers.

For further information, see the website of Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE.

Over the past 35 years, the Department of Aviation Logistics at Fraunhofer IML has been a leading research institution in the field of air transport logistics. With extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of logistics - especially cargo handling - practical solutions are combined with scientific excellence.

The Air Transport Logistics department specializes in the planning, consulting and implementation of air transport projects. In cooperation with partners from research and industry, the focus is on the implementation of industry-oriented concepts.

Further information can be found here.