Aviation

The aviation industry is undergoing a transformation: Increased efficiency, the decarbonization of air traffic, new dual-use technologies, and longer lifecycles are driving up demands on materials, engineering, and testing. With its expertise in advanced ceramic materials and components, testing and monitoring methods, and sustainable aviation fuels, Fraunhofer IKTS supports companies in the aviation industry in meeting these challenges.

Key areas of development

• Advanced ceramics and coatings for load-bearing structures and thermal protection
• Transparent ceramics for optical components
• Ceramic components for engines and rockets
• Composite structures (ceramic matrix composites, CMC) and repair concepts
• Ultrasonic and eddy current methods for non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Structural health monitoring (SHM)
• Power-to-X technologies for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
• Infrastructure and security solutions for airports

Services offered

As an applied research institute, Fraunhofer IKTS offers its partners extensive experience in planning and implementing research projects of all sizes. In contract research, we provide flexible support to industrial clients with customized services and developments, all the way through to the realization of market-ready products. We support complex large-scale projects involving consortia of national and international partners throughout the entire process – from drafting the proposal and coordinating the work to communicating the results and developing strategies for commercial application.

• Development of materials, components, and systems
• Development of methods for condition monitoring and non-destructive testing
• Characterization and testing services
• Prototype and pilot production
• Scale-up and transfer of processes for manufacturing and quality assurance
• Feasibility studies
• Application for and coordination of publicly funded projects