Research FLEET

AT-One operates Europe’s largest civilian research fleet of aeroplanes and helicopters. The wide variety of test aircraft are equipped with a large array of test equipment and can be modified according to the needs of specific research tasks.

Falcon 2000LX “ISTAR”

The In-flight Systems and Technology Airborne Research (ISTAR) aircraft is an in-flight simulator that will support the expansion of scientific knowledge about automated and uncrewed flying and the implementation of more advanced pilot assistance systems. ISTAR will also enable a major leap forward in digitisation for aviation – the aim is to create a digital twin that will accompany the aircraft over its entire lifespan.

Airbus A320-232 “D-ATRA”

The Airbus A320-232 ‘D-ATRA’ has been in service for the DLR since late 2008 and is the largest member of its fleet. The Advanced Technology Research Aircraft (ATRA) is a flexible modern flight research platform that is setting new benchmarks for airborne test vehicles in European aeronautics research.

Eurocopter EC135 ACT/FHS “Flying Helicopter Simulator”

The ACT/FHS ‘Flying Helicopter Simulator’ of the DLR is based on a standard Eurocopter EC 135 type helicopter, which has been extensively modified for use as a research and test aircraft. The mechanical controls, for example, have been replaced by a fly-by-wire/fly-by-light flight control system.

Dornier Do 228-101 “D-CODE”

The Dornier Do 228-101 ‘D-CODE’, a universal flying research platform operated by the DLR, serves as a carrier system for flight tests and experiments for DLR institutes and numerous external customers.

Cessna Citation II

A Cessna Citation II laboratory aircraft for flight testing of systems, sensors or procedures from and for our customers. The Citation is equipped with a state-of-the art cockpit with options for testing customer displays (certified and experimental), controls and concepts.

HeliTech

HeliTech is a RPAS helicopter which enables NLR to facilitate testing of large sensors and provide pilot training for heavy-class RPAS. This helicopter (PH-1AP) has a maximum take-off mass of 40 kilogrammes, a rotor diameter of 2.6 metre, and is equipped with a gas turbine engine.

Pipistrel

With the Pipistrel Velis Electro NLR will, among other things, explore the possibility of increasing the range of the Pipistrel Velis Electro through new battery technology or a fuel cell and aerodynamic training and build up knowledge and experience of behavior and properties associated with an electrically powered aircraft.