Aerospace Technology

Climate protection and economic efficiency are key drivers for technological innovations in the aerospace industry. One important goal is to reduce aircraft fuel consumption – and thus CO₂ emissions in the air. We support our national and international partners in reducing aircraft weight. In addition to carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP), lightweight metals such as aluminum, magnesium and titanium are used. To achieve the limits of what is technically feasible, innovative technologies and new high-performance materials must be able to withstand extreme cold and severe temperature changes.

Turbine and engine construction in particular offer numerous opportunities for optimization and cost savings. Solutions for new engine designs, longer-lasting turbine blades and cost-effective repair, maintenance processes are just some results of our many years of research and development work. Processes such as laser hardening, laser welding and laser cutting as well as innovative coating solutions and the almost limitless design freedom of additive manufacturing are used in aircraft construction as well as in rocket engines and space telescopes. We are also currently researching important future topics, such as the development of battery and design solutions for electrically powered aircraft or drones.