Current projects
The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation cooperates with a number of R&D and production sites from European Union countries, Canada and the United States of America. In addition to the work of a commercial nature we have participated or are currently participating in the following research projects:
The project allows the development (up to PDR – TRL4) of <40L monopropellant tank compatible with standard propellants (Hydrazine, and additionally Hydrogen Peroxide or LMP-103S). The objective of this project is to develop and implement Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology for fuel tank production, and detailed investigation of performed welds. The process of designing, development and testing of technologies for manufacturing the tank and friction welding is aimed at identifying technological and design constraints and as a result, could be successfully used for cost reduction in the future production. This action enables introduction of a competitive product on the European market.
Project coordinator: Kamil Sobczak, MSc Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 505
E-mail: kamil.sobczak[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 02.02.2020 – 31.05.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – PLIIS
Consortium: ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION, PZL MIELEC
At the beginning of 2021, the implementation of the ASSURED-UAM project has begun, focusing on definition of recommendations that guarantee widespread acceptance of safe operation as well as sustainable and integrated transport using drones over urban areas. The project is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme. The consortium coordinated by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation consists of seven partners. The project is being carried out at the Transport Systems Department (Aviation Technology Center) and the Unmanned Systems Department. Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation will take part in the entire process of creating recommendations, simultaneously acting as the leader of the second and fourth work package, aimed at adequately defining future scenarios for the Urban Air Mobility development and defining standards and recommendations for the implementation of unmanned operations in urban agglomerations.
The aim of the ASSURED-UAM – Acceptance, Safety and Sustainability Recommendations for Efficient Deployment of Urban Air Mobility project is to support cities in the process of launching unmanned operations and their integration within urban transport systems by providing local government units, decision-makers and other interested parties with UAM recommendations. The process of integrating urban vertical mobility will require a number of adaptations in the field of public transport management covering among other logistics of operations and deployment of dedicated infrastructure. Regional and local government units will face challenges such as financing sources, planning (system infrastructure), implementation methods and ensuring the safety of them, emissions level or the level of residents’ acceptability of the proposed solutions.
The guidelines on issues related to the implementation process of Urban Air Mobility will be the result of the project. The guides will be available in 8 languages and include:
- Knowledge base on policy, transport integration, legislation, and technological opportunities
- UAM development scenarios taking into account various aspects (financing, operational, public acceptance, etc.)
- Set of recommendations and standards necessary to be fulfilled in the process of UAM implementation
- Conclusions derived from processes implemented in the cities involved in the project (Metropolis GZM, Bari and Porto).
Project coordinator: Bartosz Dziugieł, PhD
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 383
E-mail: bartosz.dziugiel[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2020 – 30.04.2023
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: Horizon 2020 – Mobility for Growth
Consortium: ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION (Ł-ILOT), CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA (CIRA), CENTRO DE ENGENHARIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO (CEiiA), INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND INNOVATION (ISSNOVA), DISTRETTO TECNOLOGICO AEROSPAZIALE S.C. A R.L. (DTA), METROPOLIS GZM (GZM), NEDERLANDS LUCHT – EN RUIMTEVAARTCENTRUM (NRL).
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101006696 ASSURED-UAM.
The aim of the project is to determine the locations of concentration and degree of concentration of CO, NOx and HC on the premises of the Fryderyk Chopin Airport and to determine the size of emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 particles. Research will be carried out in different atmospheric conditions, in places where airport personnel reside. Based on the intensity of airplane traffic at the airport, the daily and annual emissions of toxic components of exhaust gases from turbine engines will be estimated at various stages of the airplane flight for the take-off and landing cycle.
Project coordinator: Paweł Głowacki, PhD Eng.
E-mail: pawel.glowacki[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2020 – 31.12.2022
Funding institution: Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute
Programme name: Improvement of safety and working conditions – phase V (2020-2022)
TRAIL (Design, manufacture and deliver a high performance, low cost, low weight Nacelle Structure for Next Generation Tilt-Rotor (NGCTR)) is a project co-financed by the European Commission in the frame of Clean Sky 2 (Horizon 2020). The Consortium, led by Łukasiewicz Research Network-Institute of Aviation, who will also be responsible for design, analyses and testing, is composed of 7 Partners including Politecnico di Milano (vibration, noise and Bird Strike aspects), Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (firewalls), NLR (VARTM), LA Composite (composite elements manufacturing and assembly), PW-Metrol and Szel-Tech (both responsible for metallic parts manufacturing). The subject of the TRAIL project is to design, develop, test and deliver innovative Engine Nacelle with engine mounting system for NGCTR TD (Next Generation Civil TiltRotor Technology Demonstrator) under supervision of Leonardo Helicopters.
The project will be performed in the Center of New Technologies of Łukasiewicz Research Network-Institute of Aviation.
Project Leader: Marek Tabor, MSc
Phone: (+48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 594
E-mail: marek.tabor[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 01.10.2019 – 31.07.2023
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme: Clean Sky 2
Consortium: SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA, POLITECNICO DI MILANO, TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS, NLR-STICHTING NATIONAAL LUCHT-N RUIMTEVAARTLABORATORIUM, LA COMPOSITE, SZEL-TECH GRZEGORZ SZELIGA , P.W. METROL
The aim of the Project is to conduct research & development works in order to create a new, global- scale product innovation related to designing turbojet engine components with the use of 3D printing technology.
The innovation will constitute best practices and will be widely used in the aircraft engines.
The Project result is a response to the market needs related to the increasing demand for air transport, e.g. shortening the production lead time and providing technologically advanced concepts at a competitive price while maintaining the highest safety standards. A significant benefit to the customers resulting from the additive manufacturing used, is a possible reduction of weight of the entire engine in order to improve its performance and enhancement of the engine components life span through the reduction of connections in the engine modules.
The project is implemented in the partnership with Łukasiewicz Research Network – Warsaw Institute of Aviation and its completion is planned for Q1 2022.
The Project eligible budget: 8,042,025.95 PLN (4,763,591.87 PLN co-financed by EU Funding)
Project coordinator: mgr inż. Rudnik Artur
Phone: +48 668 402 296
E-mail: artur.rudnik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.06.2020 – 31.06.2022
Funding institution: Mazovian Unit for Implementation of EU Programmes
Programme name: ESA – PLIIS
Consortium: Electric Company Polska Sp. z o.o. – coordinator; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute Of Aviation
The project aims at preparation (to TLR 4) of the dual flow, latching control valve for the satellite apogee engines. This includes development and tests of the valve actuator (Astornika) followed by the development and tests of the complete valve assembly (ŁRN-IoA). The valve is foreseen to be used with standard (MMH, MON) as well as green (HTP) propellants.
Project coordinator: dr inż. Dominik Kublik
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 531
E-mail: dominik.kublik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.04.2020 – 01.04.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – PLIIS
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Astronika
The project aims at preparation of two, dual seat control valves: one for 1N monopropellant thrusters and one for 10N bipropellant thrusters (both at TRL4). This includes development and tests of the valves actuators (Astornika) followed by the development and tests of the complete valves assemblies (ŁRN-IoA). The valves are foreseen to be used with standard (N2H4, MMH, MON) as well as green (HTP, LMP-103S) propellants.
Project coordinator: dr inż. Dominik Kublik
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 531
E-mail: dominik.kublik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 02.09.2020 – 02.09.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – PLIIS
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Astronika
Innovative space propulsion solutions developed in Łukasiewicz-Institute of Aviation are mostly based on the use of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide, currently classified as one of the most environment friendly propellants in existence. One of the key aspects of utilizing its potential is a proper design of the catalyst bed and its auxiliary equipment. The international consortium established for the sake of EVACPRO aims at developing a solution requested by the European Space Agency. The task of Łukasiewicz-ILOT in this project is to deliver mathematical models to be implemented in the ECOSIMPRO software – a leading solution in system simulations. Models identified in a literature study as well as the experience of Łukasiewicz-Institute of Aviation will we used to provide a mathematical formulation of the operation of catalyst beds, which will then be implemented and verified by the remaining consortium members.
EVACPRO establishes a cooperation between experts in space propulsion testing and implementation of numerical model, which is aimed at creating a new standard in terms of functionality of environment friendly space propulsion by extending the functionality of ECOSIMPRO.
Project coordinator: Zbigniew Gut
Phone: (+ 48) 22 112 39 00
E-mail: zbigniew.gut[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 19.11.2021 – 22.06.2023
Funding institution: ESA – European Space Agency
Programme name: EXPRO+
Consortium: EMPRESARIOS AGRUPADOS INTERNACIONAL (Spain), Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (Poland), SAPIENZA UNIVERSITA DI ROMA (Italy), AVIO (Italy), NAMMO (Norway)
X-TEAM D2D project aims to define, developing and initially validating a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the seamless integration of ATM and Air Transport into an overall intermodal network, including other available transportation means (surface, water), to enable the door-to-door connectivity, in up to 4 hours, between any location in Europe, in compliance with the target assigned by the ACARE SRIA FlightPath 2050 goals.
The project is focused on the consideration of ConOps for ATM integration in intermodal transport network serving Urban and Extended Urban (up to Regional) mobility, taking into account the transportation and passengers service scenarios envisaged for the next decades, according to baseline (2025), intermediate (2035) and final (2050) time horizons.
The target ConOps provided and initially validated by the X-TEAM D2D project will encompass both the transportation platforms integration concepts and the innovative seamless mobility as a service including ATM concepts. The developed ConOps will be preliminarily evaluated against already existing and specifically defined applicable KPAs and KPIs, implementing both qualitative and quantitative performances assessment approach. The X-TEAM D2D project will develop a simulation-based platform for validating the proposed concept.
Project coordinator: Bartosz Dziugieł, PhD
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 383
E-mail: bartosz.dziugiel[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.06.2020 – 30.09.2022
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: SESAR JU
Consortium: CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA (CIRA), INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND INNOVATION (ISSNOVA), DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV (DRL), SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ – INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA (Ł-ILOT), D-flight S.p.A., STICHTING HOGESCHOOL VAN AMSTERDAM (HVA)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 891061 X-TEAM D2D.
The aim of the project is development in the field of design and manufacturing of aviation composite parts. Scope of the project covers detailed design and manufacturing of flightworthy main rotor head fairings for the new compound rotorcraft named LifeRCraft (RACER in manufacturers’ nomenclature) being developed by Airbus Helicopters in the frame of Clean Sky 2 programme. Mentioned elements aim to minimize the compound rotorcraft drag by reduction of the main rotor head drag, thanks to aerodynamically optimized shape of the fairings and implementation of innovative partial air sealing between mobile parts of the fairing.
Project leader: Michał Furdyna MSc
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 856
E-mail: michal.furdyna[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 01.09.2017 – 30.06.2023
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme: Clean Sky 2
Consortium: Institute of Aviation, Czech National Center for Research, Development and Testing in Aerospace VZLU (Výzkumný a zkušebníleteckýústav) and Czech composite parts manufacturer LA Composite
Conventional chemical rocket propulsion systems use standard propellant compositions: hydrazine and its derivative – monomethyl hydrazine (MMH), combined with mixed oxides of nitrogen (MON). The number of activities worldwide focus on development of components and subsystems of green propulsion – the alternative for standard solutions containing toxic propellants. The aim of GRACE II is further development of a major subsystem for GEO satellite propulsion – LAE (Liquid Apogee Engine). The role of this thruster is to provide extra velocity for the final orbit insertion. The engine uses hydrogen peroxide in very high concentration as the oxidizer, combined with reduced-toxicity fuel. This is a high-performance propellant composition, providing specific impulse in a similar level as MON/MMH. The implementation of alternative, non-toxic propellants may lead to develop a new, green propulsion system, affecting reduction of the GOSM (Ground Operation and Safety Management) cost.
The Technology Readiness Level – TRL 3, reached in the framework of GRACE I, is currently being increased to TRL 5. It means that the laboratory verified concept will be developed to a functional, flight-like technology demonstrator.
Project leader: Paweł Surmacz
Phone: (+ 48) 22 188 37 98
E-mail: pawel.surmacz[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 19.11.2019 – 18.05.2022
Funding institution: ESA – European Space Agency
Programme: NMS-Poland
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (Poland) Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt e.V (DRL) (Germany)
HIGHTRIP is a project co-financed by the European Commission in the frame of Clean Sky 2 (Horizon 2020). Consortium, coordinated by NLR, is composed of four partners. Institute of Aviation will take part in the design activities, whereas companies P.W. Metrol and Szel-Tech in the manufacturing activities together with NLR. NLR will also be responsible for preparation of tooling and measuring equipment as well as for processing of wind tunnel test results, that will be conducted in French institute ONERA. The test model will be designed according to requirements from Leonardo Helicopters.
The goal of the HIGHTRIP project is design, manufacturing and tests of wind tunnel model of new tiltrotor being developed by Leonardo Helicopters in cooperation with Partners under Clean Sky 2.
Project is realized by the Institute of Aviation in the Centre of New Technologies.
Project leader: Eng. Rafał Żurawski
Phone: (+48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 416
E-mail: rafal.zurawski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 01.11.2018 – 31.10.2021
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme: Clean Sky 2
Consortium: NLR-STICHTING NATIONAAL LUCHT-N RUIMTEVAARTLABORATORIUM, INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA, SZEL-TECH GRZEGORZ SZELIGA , P.W. METROL DARIUSZ DĄBKOWSKI.
The project “Implementation of the Smart Villages concept in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship” will be implemented in the years 2021 – 2023 by a nationwide consortium consisting of eight scientific partners. All works worth PLN 3.6 million are financed from the budget of the Marshal’s Office of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation received funding in the amount of PLN 460,000, under which the concept and functionality of a mobile application aggregating spatial and remote sensing data for farmers will be developed. The app will provide information on soil quality, environmental and crop parameters and the natural variability of a given area. In addition, key environmental parameters necessary for the granting of a new organic certificate for agricultural produce will be identified and selected.
This is the first pilot project in the field of modern remote sensing implemented by scientists from Łukasiewicz with the Marshal’s Office, aimed at supporting the community and rural development of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The project is a research and development project, and its implementation is to contribute to the development of the Smart Villages concept for the region and to strengthen cooperation between local government and scientific units.
The Smart Villages project at Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation will be implemented by scientists from the Remote Sensing Department, who also specialize in other solutions for modern agriculture. The Institute runs i.a. research work with the use of modern remote sensing technologies in the process of sustainable production of healthy food (see: FITOEXPORT project).
The consortium consists of:
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography – Project Leader,
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw,
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW,
- Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National Research Institute,
- Institute of Geodesy and Cartography,
- Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute
- Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation,
- Mazowiecki Science and Technology Park – Cooperative Park in Płońsk.
The Project Manager is Professor Katarzyna Sobolewska-Mikulska (Warsaw University of Technology).
Task No. 7 of the project is coordinated by Hubert Skoneczny, M.Sc. Eng. (Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation).
Consortium Leader: Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography
Project Manager: Professor Katarzyna Sobolewska-Mikulska
Coordinator of the Project Task No 7 at Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation: Hubert Skoneczny, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 835
E-mail: hubert.skoneczny[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.02.2021 – 30.06.2023
Funding institution: Marshal’s Office of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship
Consortium: Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography – Project Leader, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National Research Institute, Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Mazowiecki Science and Technology Park – Cooperative Park in Płońsk.
The main objective of the project is to enable Polish plant products to enter new markets and increase their competitiveness by effectively responding to import requirements of new customers and improving the controls carried out by the Main Inspectorate of Plant Health and Seed Inspection, using modern crop inspection methods and laboratory tests.
Within the implementation of Task 2 and Task 6 of the FITOEXPORT project, the project team of the Remote Sensing Division of the Institute of Aviation will develop and implement modern remote sensing technics in the process of sustainable production of competitive healthy food, with particular emphasis on crop inspections (detection of changes during the vegetation cycle), assessment of the impact of meteorological conditions on crops, verification of seed production conditions and methods for early detection of fruit storage diseases.
Consortium Leader: Main Inspectorate of Plant Health and Seed Inspection
Project Manager: Janina Butrymowicz, PhD. Eng.
E-mail: j.butrymowicz[at]piorin.gov.pl
Task 2 Manager at Institute of Aviation: Hubert Skoneczny, MSc. Eng.
E-mail: hubert.skoneczny[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2019 – 31.12.2021
Financing institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: The social and economic development of Poland in the conditions of globalizing markets GOSPOSTRATEG
Project description:
The aim of the project “Innovative aerodynamic bicycle frame” is to design a bicycle frame with increased aerodynamic properties, in particular with aerodynamic drag lower by 2-6% than that of the competition bicycles. Works carried out at Ł-ILOT focus on:
- Analysis of the aerodynamics of bicycle frames, in particular examining the properties of the so-called aerodynamic bicycles.
- Optimization of the target bicycle frame.
The project is carried out in cooperation with Kross SA, the largest Polish manufacturer of bicycles.
Project coordinator: Witold Klimczyk, PhD
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 641
E-mail: witold.klimczyk[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.07.2019 – 31.01.2022
Funding institution: Mazovian Unit for Implementation of EU Programmes
Consortium: KROSS SA, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute Of Aviation
On may 2020 Unia Sp. Z o.o. in consortium with Łukasiewicz- Industrial Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation has started the implementation of the project Inteligent robot with the requirements of precision agriculture. The Project is being implemented within fast track for projects from less developed regions subactivity 1.1.1. “Industrial researches and development works carried out by enterprises” of Smart Growth Operational Programme .
Project description:
The aim of the project is to develop, build and implement a Field Robot for sowing and maize care in wide-row cultivation.
It is a solution to the problems of the modern agriculture (excessive, harmful use of fertilizers and plant protection products (PPP), progressive lack of workers). The Field Robot in the proposed configuration will be intended for sowing, mechanical weeding and selective spraying. It’s equipped with a complex sensor system (generally optical), a data processing system available in a specially developed Crop Database and a precise system for controlling the implementation of agrotechnical processes supporting work in accordance with modern agrotechnical knowledge. Operation precision will limit in a widerange the fertilizer and PPP consumption. The Field Robot will meet the requirements of precision agriculture and will be part of the transfer of Agriculture 4.0. Project integrates issues related to machine automation and automation of agricultural processes.
The knowledge and skills acquired in the project will undoubtedly help Polish company to start in market of global autonomous field robots.Therefore, in order to implement the project, a consortium has been established, consisting of:
- Unia Sp. z o.o.- Consortium Leader
- The Łukasiewicz Research Network- Industrial Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IIoAE) Consortium Partner
- The Łukasiewicz Research Network- Institute of Aviation (IoA)- Consortium Partner
Project coordinator: Jacek Wojciechowski, PhD
E-mail: jacekw[at]pimr.poznan.pl
Coordintor of Task no 2 and 6 in Institute of Aviation: Mariusz Kacprzak, MSc.
Project duration: 01.05.2020 – 30.11.2023
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020
Consortium: UNIA SP. Z O.O., ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK- INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION
Project implemented under the Horizon 2020 framework program, funded by the European Commission. It is a 4-year research and innovation initiative on hybrid electric propulsion for commercial aviation, a technology that opens a new design space for aircraft and may provide a revolutionary step in improving their efficiency.
The aim of the IMOTHEP project is analysing potential technologies and technical issues for hybrid electric propulsion at the relevant scale. The project requires exploring the technology for commercial aircraft that represents the bulk of current airlines’ fleets and aviation’s emissions. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key for aviation to pursue its development in the service of society and people mobility. This calls for ambitious research and disruptive solutions well beyond the continuous improvement of current aircraft technologies. The ultimate goal of the project is to achieve a key step in assessing the potential of hybrid electric propulsion for reducing the emissions of commercial aviation and eventually to build the technology roadmap for its development.
The project coordinator is ONERA, the French aerospace research lab. The IMOTHEP consortium gathers thirty-three key aviation industry and research stakeholders: the major European aircraft manufacturers, leading engines manufacturers, European aeronautic research organisations from EREA, higher education organisations, a think tank, an intergovernmental organisation, and a consulting company in innovation management. IMOTHEP receives support also from EASA as third party. In addition, IMOTHEP develops international cooperation with Russia, as well as with Canada.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Transport Systems Department (Center of Aviation Technologies).
IMOTHEP in brief:
- A holistic approach toward hybrid electric propulsion for commercial aircraft
- An in-depth analysis of power train technology in close connection with propulsion architecture
- The ambition to get a clear view of potential HEP benefit
- A powerful multidisciplinary consortium
- A will to outreach to stakeholders and on-going projects to elaborate the European roadmap toward HEP
Project coordinator: Paweł Abratowski, PhD Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 713
E-mail: pawel.abratowski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2020 – 31.12.2023
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: Mobility for Growth
Project website: www.imothep-project.eu
Consortium: ONERA – OFFICE NATIONAL D’ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AEROSPATIALES, AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA, DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV, LEONARDO – SOCIETA PER AZIONI,SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, GE Avio, L – UP SAS, AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH, GKN AEROSPACE SWEDEN AB, CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLA AB, SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ – INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA, INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA “ELIE CARAFOLI”- INCAS BUCURESTI, INDUSTRIA DE TURBO PROPULSORES S.A.U., STICHTING NATIONAAL LUCHT- EN RUIMTEVAARTLABORATORIUM, SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS, MTU AERO ENGINES AG, BAUHAUS LUFTFAHRT EV, UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINE, INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE L’AERONAUTIQUE ET DE L’ESPACE, TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BRAUNSCHWEIG, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE, POLITECNICO DI BARI, THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, EUROCONTROL – EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR THE SAFETY OF AIR NAVIGATION, FEDERAL STATE UNITARY ENTERPRISE THE CENTRAL AEROHYDRODYNAMIC INSTITUTE NAMED AFTER PROF. N.E. ZHUKOVSKY, FEDERALNOE GOSUDARSTVENNOE UNITARNOE PREDPRIYATIE CENTRALNII INSTITUTAVIACIONOGO MOTOROSTROENIYA IMENI PI BARANOVA, STATE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AVIATION SYSTEMS, National research center “Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky”, Moscow aviation institute (national research university)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 875006 IMOTHEP.
Aircraft flight stabilization is provided by complex Flight Management Systems (FMS, Flight Control Systems), and in particular by systems called autopilots. These are quite expensive and not all aircrafts are equipped with them. However, most aircrafts, most notably airplanes, are equipped with weight relieving/balancing surfaces called trimmers. They are usually mounted on the main control surfaces: elevator and rudder, sometimes also on ailerons. During conducted research on the issues of aircraft flight control it was found that in some cases it is possible to stabilize a steady flight of an aircraft just by using trimmers. This solution is relatively cheap and can be used in many light aircraft of General Aviation.
The aim of the project is to design, build and test a system of flight stabilization of a light aircraft by means of trimmers. Taking into account the current tendencies to expand the quantitative and qualitative scope of General Aviation and the anticipated new rules for flight in controlled spaces in Europe, this type of system built on board the aircraft in mass use in the future will significantly increase the safety of flight and the availability of such a means of locomotion for users at the lowest acceptable level of professionalism.
Project coordinator: Cezary Szczepański, PhD
E-mail: cezary.szczpanski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.04.2018 – 31.12.2021
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: The Innovative Economy Program
Opis projektu:
The main objective of the project “Optimization of APU Exhaust Muffler Thermal Barrier and Air Intakes construction Technologies (CHRZASZCZ)” is to design, test and manufacture with widely use of new materials designated for APU compartment (air intake, exhaust system, etc.)
Newly designed and manufactured elements will be fulfilling functional requirements related to mass reduction, noise suppression, thermal protection and fire resistant. Application of new materials will also allow to reduce cost, time of production and impact on the natural environment by reduction of noise level and components weight.
Project coordinator: inż. Rafał Żurawski
Phone.: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 416
E-mail: rafal.zurawski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Duration: 01.01.2021 – 30.06.2023
Financing entity: KE
Programme name: Clean Sky 2
Consortium: SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA (Poland), PETROCERAMICS S.P.A (Italy); POLITECNICO DI MILANO (Italy); LA COMPOSITE (Czech Republic)
This project has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101007816. The JU receives support from the European Union`s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Clean Sky 2 JU members other than the Union.
The purpose of the POLON – Polish Propulsion Module project is to develop a chemical propulsion module for a small satellite and its integration with the Hypersat platform developed by Creotech. The Space Technology Department (STD) will be responsible for the implementation of the project on the side of Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation. The project will last 3 years and will end with preparation for implementation and potential commercialization. It will also be the first chemical propulsion module for satellites, designed and built in Poland. POLON is based on propulsion technologies developed by STD, using a green propellant – highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide. It fits into the global trend of search for and successive implementation of technologies that are an alternative to classic, toxic rocket fuels. The project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development under the Fast Track for Mazovia program.
Project coordinator: Jakub Gramatyka, PhD
Phone.: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 476
E-mail: jakub.gramatyka[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Duration: 01.04.2020 – 31.03.2023
Financing entity: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Fast Track for Mazovia
Consortium: Creotech Instruments S. A (leader), Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
One of the end-of-life strategies for modern satellites is deorbitation manoeuvre. It consists of a significant decrease in the orbit altitude, leading the satellite burn up in the atmosphere. This prevents the generation of new space debris. Development of a dedicated Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) for the European Space Agency is carried out by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation and its partners in Poland. Solid Propellant De-orbit Motor Engineering Model Development (SPRODEM) project is consecutive activity for ESA in which Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation is working on space debris mitigation. The main purpose of this project is to develop SRM engineering model and to check its performance during dedicated tests. The outcome of this project will be a Solid Rocket Motor generating 250 N thrust, which as base part of the deorbitation system will be competitive product on the European market. Solid particles generation was mitigated via use of a high performance non-aluminized propellant, which was developed in previous project: Pre-Qualification of Aluminium-Free Solid Propellant (ASPro). The Motor is designed to be scalable and used in clusters, enabling application for wide range of spacecrafts. This motor was designed for long in-orbit storage. Additionally, it can be equipped in a Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system, which increases control over the spacecraft deorbitation trajectory.
Project coordinator: Paweł Nowakowski, Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 419
E-mail: pawel.nowakowski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 15.01.2019 – 31.08.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – GSTP
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Mesko S.A., Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry, ZPS Gamrat Sp. z o.o.
SPOPS is the project cofounded by The National Centre for Research and Development. Its goal is to develop solid rocket motor for the purpose of being utilized as a booster for small launcher with capability to lift nanosatellites into LEO. Additional result apart from the motor itself will be creation of design and production capability in Polish research and industrial units. The potential to manufacture modern rocket motors entirely by Polish entities opens up the possibility of even more ambitious projects and independence from foreign suppliers. The scope of the project includes designing, manufacturing and testing rocket motors with a combustion chamber made of a composite material. Ultimately, about 115 kg of propellant will be placed in the combustion chamber, and thus it will be the largest structure of this type currently manufactured in Poland. The engine is designed to generate approx. 50 kN of thrust at 10 MPa pressure in the combustion chamber.
Project coordinator: Damian Kaniewski, MSc Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 238
E-mail: damian.kaniewski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 13.12.2016 – 12.06.2023
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Contest no. 8/2016 related to scientific research and studies for the purposes of national defense and security
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute Of Aviation, Mesko S.A.
Project Objectives:
The subject of the project is the development of communication and navigation systems for space and rocket applications.
A satellite retransmission module for satellite platforms, telemetry module for suborbital and carrier rockets, as well as ground station, a ground station, a localization beacon and a mobile beacon signal receiver will be developed.
Planned Results:
The project will develop, among other things, two-way communication systems with increased bandwidth, which will enable communication with suborbital rockets during flight and receive a real-time feedback from research experiment results, together with a lower bandwidth satellite communication channel with the ability to supervise the rocket mission regardless of the conditions of ground-based radio signals.
Also localization beacon will be designed and integrated into the ILR-33 BURSZTYN rocket, which will be responsible for ensuring the redundant communication after the rocket’s segments have landed at a large distance from the ground receiving stations, as well as the ground station necessary to receive the aforementioned signals.
During the project there will be also built a satellite radio system using fully digital, programmable radio modules, allowing arbitrary shaping and modulation of signals and operation in several radio frequency bands, which will enable potential cooperation with other, external systems and relatively easy adaptation of the system to different legal requirements in different regions. That system, integrated with a dedicated satellite platform based on Rad Hard by Design technology, will enable communication on the rocket-satellite-ground route.
Implementation of the project and following commercialization will allow Polish entities to offer new products on the market, as well as to obtain high technological readiness to carry out more advanced research and development work and services. The project results will be directly implemented in the Leader’s business, in the scope corresponding to its competence.
Project value: 47 041 758,38 PLN
UE Funds contribution: 38 774 065,38 PLN
The project is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Smart Growth Operational Programme. The project is implemented under the competition of the National Centre for Research and Development: 1.1.1 Fast Track.
Project leader: Janusz Nicolau-Kukliński
Phone: +48 22 846 00 11 ext. 589
E-mail: janusz.nicolau-kuklinski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.11.2020 – 31.12.2023
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020
Consortium: Thorium Space Sp. z o.o., Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
On may 2020 Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation in consortium with Łukasiewicz – Institute of Electronic Materials Technology and Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Sciences has started the implementation of the project Thermal History Coating for Research and Development of Space Technologies. The Project is being implemented within fast track “Space technologies” subactivity 1.1.1. “Industrial researches and development works carried out by enterprises” of Smart Growth Operational Programme
Project description:
The aim of the project is to introduce the service of measuring the maximum surface temperature of space structures and propulsion system to the offer of the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation. The project will develop a technology of coatings with temperature memory which will enable measurements in places difficult to access for standard measurement techniques in the presence of reactive flow and the occurrence of strong radiation heat transfer. The development of such technology require the use of expertise in mechanical engineering, surface engineering and solid state physics. Therefore, in order to implement the project, a consortium has been established, consisting of:
- The Łukasiewicz Research Network- Institute of Aviation (ILOT)- Consortium Leader,
- The Łukasiewicz Research Network- Institute of Electronic Materials Technology (ITME) – Consortium Partner
- Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Sciences (IF PAN) – Consortium Partner.
Project leader: Wit Stryczniewicz, PhD
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 684
E-mail: wit.stryczniewicz[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.05.2020 – 01.03.2023
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014-2020
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, The Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Institute of Physics – Polish Academy of Sciences
The main goal of the project is to demonstrate the control of the thrust during the operation of a green liquid rocket engine utilizing highly-concentrated hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizer. Thrust control (throttling) technology could be used in future space exploration by lunar or planetary descent vehicles. Such throttleable engine could also be implemented on reusability demonstration platforms, working towards the landing of launcher stages or even launch vehicle kick-stages to enable more flexible missions.
Project Manager: Dawid Cieśliński, MSc
Phone: (+ 48) 22 188 37 34
E-mail: dawid.cieslinski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Time frame: 18.06.2019 – 28.02.2023
Financial source: ESA – European Space Agency
Programme (frame): ESA – FLPP (Future Launchers Preparatory Programme)
Stakeholders: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (Poland), Astronika Ltd. (Poland), Jakusz SpaceTech Ltd. (Poland)
The project allows the development (up to TRL5) of a thrust vector control (TVC) system. The designed TVC is a dedicated system for the deorbiting solid rocket motor, which happens to be also developed parallel at Łukasiewicz – IoA (SPRODEM). TVC has to compensate trajectory misalignments and uncertainties coming from spacecraft centre of mass, inertia, initial attitude and motion, flexibility of appendages, sloshing, thrust variation from motors and different burning time, in order to set correctly the position during the whole deorbitation manoeuvre. Therefore, by adding TVC to SRM, the system gains better control of attitude and orientation: improves in terms of reliability which is essential in assuring a successful and safe re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere.
Project leader: Ewa Majewska, MSc Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 44 32 ext. 578
E-mail: ewa.majewska[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 09.09.2020 – 08.09.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – GSTP
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Astronika
On July 29-30th 2020, the WINGPULSE project, co-funded by the European Commission under the Clean Sky 2 program (Horizon 2020), has officially launched with the online kick-off meeting attended by the Topic Manager representing Airbus, Project Officer and the project’s partners. The consortium coordinated by the University of Nottingham aims at developing and implementing advanced mechanisms for flow separation control of the aircraft lifting surfaces. The project is being carried out at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation in the Aerodynamics Department (Center of Aviation Technologies) in cooperation with the Composite Structure Technology Department and the Engineering Design Center Lab Maintenance and Development Department.
Project description: The objective of WINGPULSE project is to develop and realize advanced actuation concepts for flow separation control which are more power-efficient compared to the state of the art pulsed jet actuators, reducing considerably the net mass flow (by factor 3-5). Flow separation on aircraft wings has been notoriously linked with loss of lift and extra drag. Furthermore, the recent development of larger, more efficient Ultra High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) engines requires slat cut backs at the juncture of the engine pylon, which significantly promotes separation at high angles of attack. Among the various AFC techniques proposed in the literature, the pulsed jet actuator (PJA) control has been regarded as a particularly promising one as it suppression separation effectively and with the much lower mass flow than the continuous blowing actuation.
In the course of the project power efficient actuation concepts will be developed by consortium of University of Nottingham and Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation. New actuators will be manufactured, tested and fully characterized in a small scale wind tunnel test, followed by a representative scale wind tunnel test. Numerical simulations of the flow shall support the design phase of the actuators and will be applied for a comprehensive understanding of the occurring flow phenomena, paving the way for integration at representative aircraft scale.
Project coordinator Wit Stryczniewicz, MSc Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 684
E-mail: wit.stryczniewicz[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Termin realizacji: 01.07.2020 – 31.08.2023
Instytucja finansująca: European Commission
Nazwa programu: Clean Sky 2 JU
Konsorcjum: University of Nottingham (UNOTT), Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Instytut Lotnictwa (Ł-ILOT)
This project has received funding from the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 887092.