Flight Test Instrumentation for Future Flying Testbed Designs

Background

Within the EU-funded collaborative project EXAELIA, a consortium of European universities and research centres led by NLR is investigating different concepts and designs for experimental aircraft, so-called flying testbeds, that support the development of the next generation of long-range aircraft. The EXAELIA project has started in 2025 and the concept exploration phase for the flying testbeds is currently underway. An important aspect of the concept description of these flying testbeds is their flight test instrumentation strategy. The integration of this strategy development in the early stages of the conceptual design offers potentially large benefits for advancing the current state-of-the-art in available measurement technology onboard of experimental aircraft significantly.

Assignment

The objective of the internship is to analyse the current state-of-the-art, ongoing developments and the future potential for advanced measurement technologies used onboard of an experimental aircraft. NLR is investigating a flying testbed concept focused on novel ultra-high aspect ratio wing technologies, for which a measurement approach needs to be developed. The findings of the technology analysis should be applied to this particular concept.

Results

A twofold of achievements is foreseen:

• A broad analysis of advanced in-flight measurement technology for experimental aircraft

• A specific measurement strategy for a future flying testbed focused on wing technologies

Your profile:

The points stated below are required or at least beneficial when applying for this assignment:

• M.Sc. student in Aerospace Engineering

• Knowledge of aeroelasticity, measurement techniques and/or systems engineering

• Affinity and interest for flight testing, experience would be highly valued

Internship duration:

The minimum duration of this internship project is 4 months, up to 6 months are possible. The anticipated starting date is Summer 2025.

What do we offer?

• A challenging internship in a high-tech result orientated work environment

• Competent supervision and availability of the technical staff for support

• An internship allowance

• Working on an actual R&D project as part of the team

• Internship results to be used in future projects

About NLR

Royal NLR has been the ambitious research organisation with the will to keep innovating for over 100 years. With that drive, we make the world of transportation safer, more sustainable, more efficient and more effective. We are on the threshold of breakthrough innovations. Plans and ideas start to move when these are fed with the right energy. Over 800 driven professionals work on research and innovation. From aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts. Our colleagues are happy to tell you what it’s like to work at NLR: have a look at our YouTube channel.

Interested?

Send your application, together with your motivation letter and CV via the button below!

Additional question?

Send an email to Christoph Mertens (Christoph.Mertens@nlr.nl).