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 – 31.01.2022
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ESA – PLIIS
Consortium: ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION, PZL MIELEC
Celem projektu jest zaprojektowanie adaptacyjnego systemu podwozia, poprzez opracowanie projektu konstrukcyjnego, przebadanie wybranego rozwiązania i wykonanie innowacyjnego podwozia zawierającego aktywne elementy tłumiące dostosowujące swoje zmienne charakterystyki w czasie od zmiennych zewnętrznych warunków zewnętrznych.
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Transportu i Konwersji Energii.
Project leader: Andrzej Tywoniuk, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 219
E-mail: andrzej.tywoniuk[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.09.2016 – 31.08.2019
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: INNOLOT
Our intention is to realize within the project two basic aims. The first one is the research aim and assumes discovering the mechanical properties of individual grains in two-phases materials, especially when taking into account MMC composites and two phase materials (for example duplex steel) during elastoplastic deformation. The second aim of the project has the methodological nature: it assumes working-out and improvement of the methodology which is applied to research in frame of this subject.
In frames of the first aim of this project there are two hypothesis:
- The substantial differences between the elastoplastic properties of different phases cause large stresses between them and its large variability during plastic deformation. Methodology developed last years by us for duplex steels will be helpful to confirm this hypothesis.
- One of the reasons for damage phenomenon appearance (in mesoscopic scale), especially in multiphase materials, are the different loads for every single grain, which are an effect of forces applied.
- The load localisation in mesoscopic scale is dependent on the phase and on the grain orientation.
These aims will be fulfilled with four main research methods. Two of them are the experimental methods: these are X-ray and neutron diffraction methods; third is the application of the self-consistent model and the fourth is the finite element method of stress values prediction.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Materials and Structures Research Center.
Project leader: Elżbieta Gadalińska, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 543
E-mail: elzbieta.gadalinska[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 21.08.2012 – 20.07.2017
Funding institution: National Science Centre
Programme name: National Science Centre
Projekt dotyczy badań nad silnikiem rakietowym z detonacyjna komorą spalania na paliwa gazowe. Celem jest opracowanie metody projektowania silników rakietowych.
Zakres prac: zbudowanie modeli silników o średnicy zewnętrznej komory spalania 200 mm i 150 mm.
Wykonanie badań w zakresie:
– wpływ typu mieszanki (skład i ciśnienie),
– wpływ wymiarów komory ( średnica, długość, wysokość),
– optymalizacji komory spalania,
– obliczeń teoretycznych, numerycznych procesu.
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Technologii Kosmicznych.
Project leader: Michał Kawalec, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 618
E-mail: michal.kawalec[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 29.09.2016 – 29.09.2017
Funding institution: AORD
Programme name: USAF grant
The aim of the project is development in the field of design and manufacturing of aviation composite parts. The project is to result in designing of engine compartment cowlings (including air inlet ducts and ventilation ducts) as well as manufacturing parts for the new compound rotorcraft being developed by Airbus Helicopters in the frame of Clean Sky 2 programme.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Center of New Technologies.
Project coordinator: Arkadiusz Gawlik, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 856
E-mail: arkadiusz.gawlik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2017 – 31.12.2021
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: Clean Sky 2
Consortium: Institute of Aviation, VZLU (Výzkumný a zkušební letecký ústav), LA Composite
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
Celem projektu DART jest stworzenie systemu, który umożliwi wynajmowanie małych samolotów do lotów w dowolne miejsca w Polsce. W pierwszym etapie projektu będziemy badać zainteresowanie proponowanym rozwiązaniem. Planujemy zebrać informacje na temat potencjalnych użytkowników oraz ich wymagań. Propozycja ta jest kierowana szczególnie do osób, które podróżują często do różnych miejsc w Polsce w celach zarówno służbowych, jak i prywatnych.
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Nowych Technologii.
Project leader: Wojciech Miksa, PhD Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 713
E-mail: wojciech.miksa[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.04.2016 – 18.03.2017
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: ARTES 20 IAP
Consortium: ITTI (coordinator), Institute of Aviation, MLabs, Polish Aero Club
W ramach projektu poprzez symulacje i próby w locie zostaną opracowane i zademonstrowane techniczne i proceduralne rozwiązania. Dodatkowo projekt obejmuje opracowywanie projektu standardów we współpracy z Europejską Organizacją Wyposażenia Lotnictwa Cywilnego (EUROCAE). Projekt opiera się również na aktywnej współpracy z innymi ważnymi podmiotami, takimi jak Europejska Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Lotniczego (EASA) i Eurocontrol.
Projekt ERA to projekt ad-hoc Europejskiej Agencji Obrony zainicjowany przez pięć państw członkowskich: Francję, Włochy, Polskę, Szwecję oraz Niemcy (lider). Planowany termin realizacji projektu to 42 miesiące. Budżet projektu wynosi 31 milionów euro. Konsorcjum przemysłowe projektu ERA koordynowanego przez Airbus Defence and Space składa się z szesnastu partnerów.
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Technologii Kosmicznych.
Project coordinator: Jerzy Graffstein, PhD Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 271
E-mail: jerzy.graffstein[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 12.02.2015 – 30.12.2019
Funding institution: EDA/MON
Programme name: EDA ad hoc
Consortium: Airbus Defence and Space (coordinator), ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (Germany); SAFRAN-Sagem, Thales, ONERA (France); Saab (Sweden); Finmeccanica (Italy); and nine partners from Poland: Air Force Institute of Technology (Polish project leader), Institute of Aviation, Hertz Systems Ltd., EUROTECH, Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements, Eskadra Grzegorz Trzeciak, Rzeszow University of Technology, WB Electronics S.A., Asseco Poland S.A.
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: Arkadiusz Gawlik, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 856
E-mail: arkadiusz.gawlik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 01.09.2017 – 30.06.2021
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
Projekt ma na celu przeprowadzenie badań silnika rakietowego na ciekły ekologiczny materiał pędny, opracowanego w Zakładzie Technologii Kosmicznych. Prace są prowadzone na zlecenie Europejskiej Agencji Kosmicznej. Poziom rozwoju technologii, jaki zostanie osiągnięty w wyniku realizacji projektu, to TRL3. Silnik ten będzie stanowić alternatywę dla obecnie stosowanych napędów, wykorzystujących toksyczne pochodne hydrazyny oraz tlenki azotu.
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Technologii Kosmicznych.
Project leader: Paweł Surmacz, PhD Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 496
E-mail: pawel.surmacz[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 12.01.2015 – 31.12.2017
Funding institution: ESA (Polish Incentive Scheme)
Programme name: ESA grant
Consortium: Institute of Aviation (coordinator), Jakusz Sp. z o.o., WB Electronics, Thales Alenia Space UK
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
The goal of the project is to develop an optical system for in-plane and out-of-plane displacement/strain measurements and for characterization of material properties. The system will compromise of two optical modules for non-invasive measurements and software for calculating material constants. This approach is called combined numerical-experimental technique.
Project leader: Piotr Kowalczyk, PhD Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 329
E-mail: piotr.kowalczyk[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.07.2014 – 31.08.2017
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
The aircraft flight stabilisation is being performed by the Flight Management Systems, and that particular task by its part – autopilots. They are comparatively expensive and not all the aircraft are equipped with them. However, most of the aircraft, mainly the airplanes, are equipped with trimming surfaces. They are usually located at the primary flight control surfaces: elevator, rudder, and sometimes ailerons. During the performed investigations of the airplane flight control systems, we have discovered that in some cases, there is a feasibility of flight stabilisation with the use of trimming surfaces. Stabilisation of flight with the use of trimers is a comparatively cheap solution and feasible to be mounted at the light airplanes of the General Aviation (GA) group. The airplane equipped with such a device will be safer.
The aims of the project are: designing, constructing, and testing of the light airplane flight stabilisation system, using trimmers for that purpose. Taking into consideration existing trends of extending the quantity and quality of GA, and also the future new rules for the aircraft flight performance in the European controlled aerospace, proposed system installed in the commonly used airplanes will substantially increase the flight safety and accessibility of such transportation devices for the users with the lowest acceptable level of professionalism.
The project is being performed together with the Airbus Poland S.A.
Project leader: dr hab.inż. Cezary Szczepański
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 683
E-mail: cezary.szczepanski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Date: 2018-2021
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme: ISSLOT
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.
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.
Project leader: Ewelina Szpakowska-Peas, MSc. Eng
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 350
E-mail: ewelina.szpakowska[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.10.2013 – 30.09.2016
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Projekt realizowany w Instytucie Lotnictwa w Centrum Technologii Kosmicznych.
Project leader: Beata Lisik, MSc.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 462
E-mail: beata.lisik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.12.2013 – 31.03.2017
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
The main objective of HIPERGOL is to develop a rocket engine demonstrator with hipergolic ignition propellant which would be liquid and non-toxic to technical staff. The produced technology will be used in both sustainer rocket engines of launch vehicles, as well as in their final stages.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Center of Space Technologies.
Project leader: Wojciech Florczuk, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 331
E-mail: wojciech.florczuk[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 21.12.2016 – 20.12.2019
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: defense and security
Consortium: Institute of Aviation, Warsaw University of Technology, ZPS GAMRAT
As a result of research, analysis and implementation, new technologies for aircraft structures will be developed. New elements will be tested and implemented as components of the cab and engine nacelle in M28 aircraft.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Center of New Technologies.
Project leader: Paweł Guła, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 420
E-mail: pawel.gula[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.07.2016 – 30.06.2021
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: CleanSky2
Consortium: Institute of Aviation – coordinator, PZL Mielec, EUROTECH Sp. z o.o., SZEL-TECH Szeliga Grzegorz, P.W. „Metrol” Dariusz Dąbkowski, ULTRATECH Sp. z o.o., ZAKŁADY LOTNICZE Margański & Mysłowski S.A., Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali.
The project is being carried out at the Institute of Aviation in the Center of Space Technologies.
Project leader: Damian Kaniewski, MSc. Eng.
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 321
E-mail: damian.kaniewski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 13.12.2016 – 12.12.2019
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: defense and security
Projekt zakłada modyfikację turbiny sprężarki oraz turbiny napędowej w silniku śmigłowca w celu zwiększenia ich efektywności, wytrzymałości, a także trwałości (wydłużenia okresu eksploatacji). Projekt dotyczy takich zagadnień jak: bariery termiczne stosowane na łopatki kierownice, badania wytrzymałościowe w podwyższonej temperaturze nowego materiału kompozytowego na osnowie stopów niklu, nowoczesne metody nakładania powłok, nowoczesne metody obróbki skrawaniem i wpływ jej parametrów na jakość wyrobu, a także badania odporności materiału na zjawiska zmęczenia i pełzania.
Rezultatem projektu będzie zbudowanie zespołu turbiny napędowej oraz zintegrowanego układu gazowego zasilania turbiny z wykorzystaniem nowych technologii. Zostanie on przebadany na silniku lotniczym, co pozwoli także określić wpływ parametrów turbiny na osiągi silnika.
Projekt realizowany w ramach programu sektorowego INNOLOT, Demonstrator Główny: Innowacyjny system napędowy, temat ISN-A3: Zaawansowane techniki wytwarzania zespołu turbiny napędowej.
Project leader: prof. dr hab. inż. Grzegorz Socha
Phone: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 347
E-mail: grzegorz.socha[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.06.2014 – 31.12.2018
Funding institution: National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: INNOLOT
