Research infrastructure at DLR

The construction and operation of large-scale research facilities is a statutory task of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The facilities, as well as the research aircraft and helicopters, enable DLR to carry out its research in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. The DLR research infrastructure also includes the Systemhaus Technik, a unit specialising in the construction of scientific equipment, including the development and manufacture of complex, unique devices.

DLR's research infrastructure is used across its institutes and programmes, and both German and international partners from research and industry can benefit from DLR's facilities, research aircraft and know-how.

Large-scale research facilities

15-metre S-band antennas

These two 15-metre antennas of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are used for communicating with satellites in geostationary and low Earth orbit. Both antennas function in the same way but differ slightly in terms of their technical equipment.

ACT/FHS experimental system

The Active Control Technology / Flying Helicopter Simulator (ACT/FHS) test facility enables the preparation and execution of flight tests with the ACT/FHS helicopter.

ACT/FHS Fly­ing He­li­copter Sim­u­la­tor: D-HFHS

The ACT/FHS 'Flying Helicopter Simulator' of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is based on a standard Eurocopter EC 135 type helicopter, which has been extensively modified for use as a research and test aircraft.

Advanced Surface Movement, Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS)

The Advanced Surface Movement, Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) is installed at Braunschweig Airport. The facility is used to test sensor systems for locating and identifying airport traffic, as well as to assess surface movement management concepts and processes.

All large-scale research facilities

Research aircraft fleet

ACT/FHS Fly­ing He­li­copter Sim­u­la­tor: D-HFHS

The ACT/FHS 'Flying Helicopter Simulator' of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is based on a standard Eurocopter EC 135 type helicopter, which has been extensively modified for use as a research and test aircraft.

Air­bus A320-232 D-ATRA

The Airbus A320-232 'D-ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft) is the largest member of its fleet

Cess­na 208B Grand Ca­ra­van: D-FDLR

The smallest aircraft of DLR's Oberpfaffenhofen flight facility is a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration D-FDLR. The single-engine turboprop aircraft is mainly used by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) for remote sensing.

Dassault Fal­con 20E-5 - D-CMET

The research aircraft has been in use since 1976. Over this period, it has become one of the most important German and European airborne research platforms for observing the Earth and its atmosphere.

All research aircraft and helicopters

Systemhaus Technik

For over 60 years, we have been successfully providing highly complex, leading-edge instruments and systems for research. We also provide long-term support and maintenance and assist our partners throughout the entire product lifecycle. This is made possible by offering a one-stop-shop for services, from planning, simulation and feasibility studies to development, manufacture and assembly.