R&D 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:

Pierwszy

<40L monopropellant tank (MDT40)

Projekt polega na opracowaniu zbiornika o pojemności <40 litrów na monopropelant (do PDR – TRL4), kompatybilnego ze standardowymi materiałami pędnymi (hydrazyna i dodatkowo nadtlenek wodoru lub LMP-103S). Celem projektu jest opracowanie i wdrożenie technologii zgrzewania tarciowego (FSW) do produkcji zbiorników paliwa oraz szczegółowe badanie wykonanych spoin. Proces projektowania, rozwoju i testowania technologii do produkcji zbiornika oraz zgrzewania tarciowego ma na celu zidentyfikowanie technologicznych i projektowych ograniczeń, a w rezultacie obniżenie kosztów produkcji zbiornika w przyszłości. Działanie to umożliwi wprowadzenie konkurencyjnego produktu na rynek europejski.

Kierownik projektu: mgr inż. Kamil Sobczak
Tel.: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 wew. 505
E-mail: kamil.sobczak[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Termin realizacji: 02.02.2020 – 31.05.2022
Instytucja finansująca: Europejska Agencja Kosmiczna
Nazwa programu: ESA – PLIIS
Konsorcjum: SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ – INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA, PZL MIELEC

Project details

A comprehensive system for detection and kinetic neutralization of unmanned aerial platforms with automatic flight prediction integrated with an unmanned land platform – ‘LOSTUAV’

Summary: The LOST-UAV project concerns the development of a comprehensive system for detection and kinetic neutralization of unmanned aerial platforms (UAV) with automatic flight prediction integrated with an unmanned grand vehicle. The system will enable the detection of UAV, jamming its radio transmission and kinetic neutralization. The system will be equipped with a radar drone detection system, a jamming system for drone radio communication and a UAV kinetic neutralization system.

Project leader: Mirosław Siciński
Phone: (+ 48) 501 155 310
E-mail: miroslaw.sicinski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.09.2023 – 31.08.2026
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Program for state defense and security “Development of modern, disruptive technologies for state security and defense” “SZAFIR” Competition no 4/SZAFIR/2021
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements PIAP, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation

Autonomous transport

The aim of the project is to develop technologies in the area of autonomous transport in the land and air domain. In connection with the subject of the project, the consortium members plan to develop technologies such as: an autonomous driving system for AMR/AGV vehicles, AMR/AGV vehicles, an autonomous driving system for rail vehicles, an anti-icing system for unmanned aerial vehicles, and an inductive charging system for autonomous industrial robots.

The aim of the activities undertaken by ILOT is to develop an anti-icing system demonstrator along with an environmental testing methodology.

The subject of the project is consistent with the leading directions of activity of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, including: smart and clean mobility and digital transformation.

Project leader: Paulina Woroniecka
E-mail: Paulina.woroniecka@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
R&D manager: Maciej Osiewicz
E-mail: Maciej.Osiewicz@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.01.2024 – 31.12.2024
Funding institution: Łukasiewicz Centre

AMBER (InnovAtive DeMonstrator for hyBrid-Electric Regional Application)

Projekt AMBER zakłada zaprojektowanie i walidowanie architektury lotniczego napędu hybrydowego dla kolejnej generacji regionalnych samolotów, które wejdą do użytkowania przed 2035 rokiem. W skład projektu wchodzi: System Mechanicznego Przepływu Mocy, System Elektryczny oraz System Sterowania.

System Mechanicznego Przepływu Mocy: kombinacja silnika konwencjonalnego (pochodna silnika GE Catalyst) z silnikiem elektrycznym o dużej mocy i maksymalnej wydajności, rozbudowane o moduł przekładniowy (cPGB);
System Elektryczny: zestaw ogniw paliwowych PEM ze zbiornikiem LH2;
System Sterowania: system sterowanie niższego rzędu każdego elementu systemu (PCU śmigła i silnik termiczny FADEC, jednostka ICC maszyny elektrycznej, system dystrybucji energii elektrycznej, sterownik ogniw paliwowych).Wszystkie te jednostki mają być kontrolowane przez kontroler wyższego poziomu, zwany kontrolerem nadzorczym i hierarchicznym.

Ponadto ten układ napędowy, będzie wyposażony w system zarządzania ciepłem. W swojej części projektu AMBER planujemy wykonać prace na trzech etapach:

Fluid thermal testing for prototype
System test
Nacelle mechanical desing

Pierwsze dwa etapy, obejmują prace testowe wymiennika ciepła. Wynikiem prac będzie raport z efektywności działania wymiennika wraz z analizą mechaniczną. W kolejnym etapie będziemy projektować gondole nowego silnika w oparciu o rferencyjny desing (Catalyst PRP Nacelle).

Kierownik projektu: Artur Rudnik
Tel.: (+ 48) 668 402 296
E-mail: Artur.Rudnik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Termin realizacji: 02.01.2023 – 31.03.2026
Instytucja finansująca: Komisja Europejska
Nazwa programu: Horizon Europe, Clean Aviation
Konsorcjum: GE Avio, General Electric Aviation Advanced Technology Garching; GE Aviation Czech SRO; GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY POLSKA SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ (GECP) H2FLY GmbH; Leonardo S.p.A.; GE Marmara Technology Center Muhendislik Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi; Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (C.I.R.A.) S.C.p.A.; Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR); Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.; VZLU | Výzkumný a zku ební letecký ústav; Czech Technical University; Politecnico di Bari; Politecnico di Torino; Università di Pisa; SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUTLOTNICTWA (WIA); AM Testing S.r.l.; Dream Innovation S.r.l.; Ergon Research S.r.l.; NTI Engineering S.r.l.

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z unijnego programu badań i innowacji Horyzont Europa w ramach umowy o dotację nr 101102020.

Anti-drone universal kinetic effector with multi-guide launcher – ‘WUEFKIN’

Summary: The outcome of the project will be an effector, a target guidance system, a forward observation system, a multi-guide effector launcher and flight tests campaign of the entire system.

Project leader: Mirosław Siciński
Phone: (+ 48) 501 155 310
E-mail: miroslaw.sicinski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.08.2023 – 31.07.2025
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: Program for state defense and security “Development of modern, disruptive technologies for state security and defense” “SZAFIR” Competition no 4/SZAFIR/2021
Consortium: Military University of Land Forces, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, AP_Flyer, Air Force Institute of Technology

Building panels containing recycled raw materials

The aim of the project is to develop solutions in the form of functional additives, composite materials and/or multi-component mixtures with the use of waste raw materials, technologies for their production and to prepare demonstrators in the form of boards intended for modular construction. Initial work will concern the development of technological assumptions for the recycling process of waste from wind farms, their acquisition, fragmentation, grinding and fractionation, as well as the characteristics of the grinding. The result of this work will be assumptions for the production technology of composite panels, which will be used for implementation in the target company after the project is completed. The final stage of work concerns the protection of the obtained results and the search for recipients.

Project leader: Arnold Jędral
E-mail: arnold.jedral@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2024 – 30.11.2024
Funding institution: Łukasiewicz Centre

CIOP-PIB- 13036

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)

Design, manufacture and deliver a high performance, low cost, low weight Nacelle Structure for Next Generation Tilt-Rotor (NGCTR) TRAIL

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

Project details

“Development and implementation of an innovative design service for turbojet engines using additive technology and advanced cooling methods” – M2PD

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

DLVD - Dual Flow Bibpropellant Latching Valve Development

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

DSVD - 1N Monopropellant & 10N Bipropellant Dual Seat Thruster Valve Development

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

EVACPRO

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)

Green bipropellant apogee rocket engine for future spacecraft - Phase 2 (GRACE II)

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)

Hybrid-Electric Regional Fuselage & Empennages (HERFUSE)

The main goal of the HERFUSE project, coordinated by LEONARDO S.p.A, is development of the innovative fuselage devoted for hybrid electric reginal passenger aircraft (acronym HER), that will have positive influence on lowering greenhouse gas emission. Realization of lower footprint to environment by the new aircraft will be split in to several stages. HERFUSE project focuses on fuselage optimization strategies including design, new materials application, innovative manufacturing and assembly technologies. All those topics are need due to change of propulsion technology in to hybrid/electric type, that results in a need to adapt to battery packs, fuel cells, liquid hydrogen tanks and all its equipment, maintenance points with sufficient level of safety operation including thermal and electrical influence. Such wide change in propulsion configuration is affects whole aircraft structure and need new design concept. Many different topics for investigation influenced the HER program in the way of splitting it in to smaller tasks. Currently ongoing project name HERA is strictly connected with HERFUSE and both projects are going to share data exchange in order to deliver new configuration aircraft fulfilling all requirements. Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation is also a member of HERA project as one of consortium partner.

Institute in the HERFUSE project is responsible for conceptual and preliminary project of lower part of the fuselage. Planned works will include conceptual design phase on basis of first assumptions delivered at first stage of the project and results available from HERA project. Preliminary design phase will include also numerical investigation of proposed solutions. Next step will be devoted to obtain results from coupon testing of new materials and assembly technologies investigated as most promising in previous stages. Final result of the project will be technology demonstrator of the fuselage structure on TRL 5 level tested in lab environment. All involved partners will deliver their parts, that will be assembled and verified. Final tests will be done on full scale fuselage structure. The planned duration of the project is 3 years.

Project coordinator: Rafał Żurawski
E-mail: rafal.zurawski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 02.01.2024 – 31.12.2026
Founding institution: European Commission
Program name: Horizon Europe, Clean Aviation
Consortium: LEONARDO – SOCIETA PER AZIONI (coordinator); AIRBUS HELICOPTERS ESPANA SA; AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SA; AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH; EASN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION SERVICES BVBA; PANEPISTIMIO PATRON; MARE ENGINEERING GROUP SPA;
AEROSOFT SPA; CEIIA – CENTRO DE ENGENHARIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO (ASSOCIACAO);
ASCO INDUSTRIES N.V.; DESA SRL; C.I.R.A. CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA; FUNDACION AITIIP; FUNDACION CENTRO DE TECNOLOGIAS AERONAUTICAS; FUNDACION ANDALUZA PARA EL DESARROLLO AEROESPACIAL; IDEC; INGENERIA Y DESARROLLOS DE COMPOSITES SL; INSTITUTO DE SOLDADURA E QUALIDADE; SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA;
IDEKO S COOP; ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION METALURGICA DEL NOROESTE;
DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV; AERNNOVA AEROSPACE SA;
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE TECNICA AEROESPACIAL ESTEBAN TERRADAS;
UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID; AIRBUS ATLANTIC; MECANIZADOS VITORIA SA; FUNDACION PARA LA INVESTIGACION, DESARROLLO Y APLICACION DE MATERIALES COMPUESTOS;
CT INGENIEROS AERONAUTICOS DE AUTOMOCION E INDUSTRIALES SL; CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D’ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE SA – RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENT

Implementation of the Smart Villages concept in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship

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.

Project details

Increasing the competitiveness of Polish plant products on international markets by increasing their quality and phytosanitary security (FITOEXPORT)

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 details

Innovative aerodynamic bicycle frame

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

InnovAtive DeMonstrator for hyBrid-Electric Regional Application (AMBER)

The AMBER (InnovAtive DeMonstrator for hyBrid-Electric Regional Application) project assumes design and validation propulsion system architecture for next-generation regional aircraft with EIS by 2035. In particular, AMBER envisions a product-like propulsion system architecture and sizing. The overall AMBER architecture can be divided into three macro sub-systems: the Mechanical Power Flow Subsystem, the Electrical Subsystem and the Control Subsystem.

The Mechanical Power Flow is a combinations of conventional thermal engine (derived from GE Catalyst) and high power and efficiency electrical motor, extended by propeller gearbox module (cPGB);
The Electrical subsystem is composed by a PEM Fuel Cell system with an LH2 tank;
The Control subsystem is composed by all the lower-level control units for each component of the overall AMBER system (Propeller PCU and Thermal Engine FADEC, electric machine ICC unit, Electric Distribution System, Fuel Cell controller). All these units are controlled by a higher-level controller, called Supervisory and Hierarchical Controller.

In addition, this propulsion system for next-generation regional aircraft will be equipped with a highly efficient integrated thermal management system. In the scope of AMBER project, we plan engineering work at three stages:

Fluid thermal testing for prototype
System test
Nacelle mechanical desing

First two stages, cover heat exchanger testing. The outcome of the work will be a report on the efficiency of the exchanger operation together with a mechanical analysis. In the next stage, we will design the nacelle of the new engine based on the reference design (Catalyst PRP Nacelle).

Project manager: Artur Rudnik
Phone.: (+ 48) 668 402 296
E-mail: Artur.Rudnik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Duration: 02.01.2023 – 31.03.2026
Programme name: European Comission
Nazwa programu: Horizon Europe, Clean Aviation
Consortium: GE Avio S.r.l.; General Electric Aviation Advanced Technology Garching; GE Aviation Czech SRO; GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY POLSKA SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA (GECP) H2FLY GmbH; Leonardo S.p.A.; GE Marmara Technology Center Muhendislik Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi; Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (C.I.R.A.) S.C.p.A.; Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR); Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.; VZLU | Výzkumný a zku ební letecký ústav; Czech Technical University; Politecnico di Bari; Politecnico di Torino; Università di Pisa; SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUTLOTNICTWA (WIA); AM Testing S.r.l.; Dream Innovation S.r.l.; Ergon Research S.r.l.; NTI Engineering S.r.l.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101102020

Innovative Strategies for Containership Fires Prevention and Management (OVERHEAT)

OVERHEAT Project brings novel fire management solutions for Prevention, Early Detection and Response which are key aspects to assure safety of people and the protection of the environment. The development of a Digital Solution (DS) will provide the overall situational picture on board and surrounding the vessel. Furthermore, integration of IoT sensors (fixed and mobile) and UAS will provide the ad-hoc system for the prevention, early detection and rapid response of fire. Best practice and assessment of safety culture will be conducted to prevent fire and understand how people perceive safety. Hence, OVERHEAT prepares a truly new generation of digital fire management solutions: complete, seamless, real time and in line with IMO regulations (integrated in the vessel IT infrastructure).

IoA team leader: Bartosz Dziugieł
E-mail: bartosz.dziugiel@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.01.2024 – 31.12.2026
Funding institution: European Commission
Program name: Horizon Europe, Innovation Actions
Consortium: Italian Maritime Academy Technologies SRL (Imat), Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz Instytut Lotnictwa, Fondazione Institute For Sustainable Society And Innovation, Institut Fur Seeverkehrswirtschaft Und Logistik, Societe Portuaire Brest Bretagne, Fundacion De La Comunidad Valenciana Para La Investigacion, Promocion Y Estudios Comerciales De Valenciaport, Development & Innovation In Transport Systems, Circoe, Akkodis Italy Srl, Ecole Nationale Superieure Maritime, GTS Servizi SRL, Seatopic, Peopletrust S.R.L., Hochschule Bremerhaven – University Of Applied Sciences, Topview SRL, Consorcio Para El Servicio De Prevencion y Extincion De Incendios y Salvamento De La Provincia De Valencia, Caronte & Tourist S.P.A.

Project details

The project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101076633 – OVERHEAT

Inteligent robot with the requirements of precision agriculture

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

Investigation and Maturation of Technologies for Hybrid Electric Propulsion (IMOTHEP)

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.

ISSLOT 13032 - Innovative flight stabilization system using trimmers

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

Nature-Based Solutions for Soil Management (NBSOIL)

At the beginning of December has begun the implementation of the NBSOIL project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Programme. The project focuses on developing a holistic approach to land and soil management. The consortium coordinated by the Polish Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG) consists of sixteen partners. The project is being carried out at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation in the Remote Sensing Department. The NBSoil consortium will impact and make a decisive contribution to the soil health mission by integrating NBS knowledge and advice into soil management, providing soil health living lab moderators, making soil monitoring and mapping technology user-friendly and inclusive, and embedding soil care into all areas of management and land-related decision-making processes.

Project description:

NBSOIL (Nature-Based Solutions for Soil Management) is a four-year project the main objective is to design an attractive blended learning programme to enable Soil Advisors to implement a holistic vision of soil health through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and collaborate effectively across different temporal and spatial scales.

Activities planned under the project include:

Creating a knowledge base on soil monitoring ,
Creation of a training plan and training for over 300 soil advisors throughout Europe,
Creation of an online portal containing soil health assessment tools based, among others, on geoinformation data,
Creation of a ‘marketplace’ platform,
Creation of soil policy documents,
Dissemination of the project results.

Approximately 300 participants from 8 countries (PL, AT, CH, UK, FR, NL, IT, ES) are expected to complete the full 2 years of training offered in 6 languages (English, Polish, German, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish). The 2 years training programme will provide an immersive, interactive, flexible learning experience, through an introductory Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) followed by four advanced modules on:

1. Soil and Nature-Based Solutions,
2. Facylitacja Living Labs,
3. Digital tools for Soil Health monitoring,
4. Improving soil related decision -in business and policy,
and a Final Project.

Project coordinator: Marcin Spiralski, M.A.
Tel.: (+ 48) 572967600
E-mail: Marcin.Spiralski[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.12.2022 – 30.11.2026
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: Horizon Europe
Consortium:
INSTITUTE OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT CULTIVATION STATE RESEARCH INSTITUTION (IUNG-PIB), UNIVERSITAET FUER BODENKULTUR WIEN (BOKU), ASOCIACION BC3 BASQUE CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE – KLIMA ALDAKETA IKERGAI (BC3), AGRISAT IBERIA SL, REVOLVE, CENTRUM DORADZTWA ROLNICZEGO W BRWINOWIE (CDR), CARBONE FERTILE CENTRE NATIONAL D AGROECOLOGIE (CNA), INSTITUTO TECNICO AGRONOMICO PROVINCIAL SA (ITAP), LANDESKAMMER FUER LAND UND FORTWIRTSCHAFT IN STEIERMARK (CAFS), ALCHEMIA-NOVA GMBH (ALCN), ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION (Ł-ILOT), UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO (UNITO), STICHTING AERES GROEP (AERES), UICN, UNION INTERNATIONALE POUR LA CONSERVATION DE LA NATURE ET DE SES RESSOURCES (IUCN), FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR BIOLOGISCHEN LANDBAU STIFTUNG (FIBL), THE SOIL ASSOCIATION LIMITED (SA).

Novel Energy and propUlsion systeMs for Air domiNaNce (NEUMANN)

Project description:

NEUMANN stands for Novel Energy and propUlsion systeMs for Air dominance. It is a project co-funded by the European Union under the European Defense Fund, supporting R&D projects in the area of advanced technologies in the field of security and defense of EU countries. The project focuses on the development of proposals for technological solutions in the field of propulsion systems/subsystems and energy management for fighter aircraft engines. The consortium coordinated by GE Avio Areo includes 37 partners from 14 European countries. The project is being carried out at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation in the Materials and Structures Department in cooperation with the Testing Laboratory, Engineering Design Center. NEUMANN is a pan-European collaborative project involving key industry, large enterprises, mid-caps, SMEs, universities, and research centers focused on developing technologies and expertise for next-generation power and propulsion systems. The goal of the NEUMANN project is to develop technologies and perform collaborative system studies for novel energy aircraft domains, with a focus on propulsion, electrical and thermal systems, and management, to achieve in the 4-year period a proof of system integration functionalities and increased confidence in enabling technology readiness at both subsystems and system level up to TRL 4. The NEUMANN project will enable strategic autonomy in the defence sector for the power and propulsion systems, in particular for high-temperature materials, thermal management enhanced by additive manufacturing technologies, energy generation and management and control systems. NEUMANN is an inclusive project that will enhance critical capabilities of the European defense and technological industrial base. The project’s results will fertilize knowledge transfer and implementation of new technologies in the EU.

Project manager: Paweł Szuchnik
Phone: +48 601 626 424
E-mail: Pawel.Szuchnik@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Manager R&D: Sławomir Czarnewicz
Project duration: 01.12.2022 – 31.01.2027
Funding institution: European Commission
Programme name: Horizon Europe, European Defense Fund
Consortium: GE AVIO AREO SRL, LEONARDO, SAAB, GKN AREOSPACE SWEDEN, PACE AREOSPACE ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GMBH, TXT E-SOLUTIONS SPA, INCASM POLITECNICO DI TORINO (POLITO), ARTTIC INNOVATION GMBH, ŁUKASIEWICZ RESEARCH NETWORK – INSTITUTE OF AVIATION (WIA), VON KARMAN INSTITUTE FOR FLUID DYNAMICS (VKI), MODELON AB, MODELON DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, GENERAL IMPIANTI SRL (LOC_GI), AEA, UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI FIRENZE (UNIFI), POLITECNICO DI MILANO (POLIMI), ATLA SRL, AXTER AEROSPACE SL, C.I.R.A. CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA, KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLAN (KTH), NEUE MATERIALIEN FURTH GMBH (NMF), CESKE VYSOKE UCENI TECHNICKE V PRAZE (CVUT), LUNDS UNIVERSITET (ULUND), PARAGON S.A., SUITE5 DATA INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS LIMITED (SUITE5), OPTIMAL STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS LDA, MY PART MECCANICA S.R.L., DREAM INNOVATION SRL, BLU ELECTRONIC SRL, POLITECHNIKA RZESZOWSKA IM IGNACEGO LUKASIEWICZA, AEROMECHS SRL, ARGOTEC SRL, UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA (UNIPD), CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR), UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI SALERNO (UNISA), POLITECNICO DI BARI (POLIBA), RAZVOJNI CENTER ORODJARSTVA SLOVENIJE (TECOS), MALARDALENS UNIVERSITET (MDU), MORFO DESIGN SRL (MORFO).

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 10103504.

Open Fan for Environmental Low Impact of Aviation (OFELIA)

Reducing SMR (Short Medium Range) aircraft environmental impact is a priority of the Clean Aviation SRIA, which objective is to have technologies ready for the future generation of SMR aircraft. The engine is key in this effort and the Open Fan engine architecture is the most promising solution in terms of fuel efficiency to both achieve environmental goals (20% emissions reduction versus 2020) and target a rapid Entry into Service, as early as 2035. In synergy with national programs, OFELIA (Open Fan for Environmental Low Impact of Aviation) will gather a large European consortium – led by Safran Aircraft Engines – to contribute to the RISE technology demonstration announced in June 2021. OFELIA aims to demonstrate at TRL5 the RISE Open Fan architecture, for the SMR to achieve or surpass the Air Transport Action Group’s goals on the way towards Carbon neutrality by 2050. OFELIA will allow installation of an increased fan diameter on a conventional aircraft configuration, thanks to innovative turbomachinery technical solutions. Following the architecture definition, OFELIA will perform a large-scale Open Fan engine ground test campaign, deliver flightworthy propulsive system definition and prepare an in-flight demonstration for the phase 2 of Clean Aviation. The project will also optimize the engine installation with the airframer and address certification process. For more information on the project as well as full list of entities involved in its implementation, please visit CORDIS database: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101102011.

Project manager: Michał Zygmunt
Phone.: (+ 48) 605 602 543
E-mail: Michal1.Zygmunt@ge.com
Duration: 01.11.2022 – 31.12.2025
Programme name: European Comission
Nazwa programu: Horizon Europe, Clean Aviation
Consortium: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES;
Partners: SAFRAN FILTRATION SYSTEMS; SAFRAN NACELLES; POLITECNICO DI TORINO; CONSORZIO PER LA RICERCA E LA DIMOSTRAZIONE SULLE ENERGIE RINNOVABILI; SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS; GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY POLSKA SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA; TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET DRESDEN; GKN AEROSPACE SWEDEN AB; DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT – UND RAUMFAHRT EV; GENERAL ELECTRIC DEUTSCHLAND HOLDING GMBH; TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET GRAZ; GE AVIO SRL; VON KARMAN INSTITUTE FOR FLUID DYNAMICS; VYZKUMNY A ZKUSEBNI LETECKY USTAV AS; GE MARMARA TECHNOLOGY CENTER MUHENDISLIK HIZMETLERI LIMITED SIRKETI; SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ – INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA; STICHTING KONINKLIJK NEDERLANDS LUCHT – EN RUIMTEVAARTCENTRUM; OFFICE NATIONAL D’ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AEROSPATIALES; SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS; NTI ENGINEERING SRL; CONSORZIO PER LO SVILUPPO DELLE AREE GEOTERMICHE; AIRBUS OPERATIONS SL; AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS; AIRBUS; AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH; AM TESTING SRL; CENTRE DE RECHERCHE EN AERONAUTIQUE ASBL – CENAERO

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101102011

POLON – Polish Propulsion Module

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: Michał Podkowik
Phone.: (+ 48) 22 846 00 11 ext. 476
E-mail: michal.podkowik[at]ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Duration: 01.04.2020 – 31.03.2024
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

Solid Propellant De-orbit Motor Engineering Model Development (SPRODEM)

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 – Solid rocket boosters for launcher utilizing liquid propellant for main stage engine

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.

Structure damage detection system with an adaptive sensor made of materials with metallic micro and nanoparticles

Project Objectives:

The DETEKTA project concerns on development and verification of detection and quantification of cracks sizes system. In the adopted concept, the measuring element is a sensor network, permanently integrated with the object, made in the technology of additive manufacturing using paints with metallic micro and nanoparticles, and elastic insulation materials. The work undertaken under the project was divided into following phases:

Experimental studies of material properties and determination of the production technology and installation of sensors.
Simulation research and development of numerical models of sensors.
Development and verification of data acquisition systems designed to cooperate with sensors.
Development and implementation of data analysis methods for the fault detection system.
Effectiveness verification of the damage detection system prototype for long-term operation, gap analysis for development works.

Planned Results:

The main end result of the project will be the demonstration of the prototype system under conditions similar to actual use. The individual components of the invention, mainly the original adaptive sensor for crack detection, the data acquisition block, the information processing algorithms, and the stability of operation in the long term will be verified in the next stages of application testing. The subject of the application is in line with the new concept of approach to structural monitoring known as SHM (Structural Health Monitoring) systems. It assumes permanent installation of a measurement system on the object along with an integrated sensor network. The developed product will enable continuous and effective detection, localization and identification of crack development.

Project value: 1 494 000,00 PLN
Government budget contribution: 1 494 000,00 PLN

Project funded by the government budget under the LEADER XII, the National Center for Research and Development program.

Project leader: Artur Kurnyta
E-mail: Artur.Kurnyta@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 01.02.2022 – 31.01.2025
Funding institution: The National Centre for Research and Development
Programme name: LIDER XII

SUBCOM - Satellite sensing and communication system for suborbital rockets

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

The unit of laboratories focused on research and development of propulsion systems for state security threat detection, prevention, and counteraction

Project description:

The investment will launch a modern laboratory center, with a vacuum test bench for rocket propulsion research at the forefront, capable of servicing both national and international projects. As part of the project activities, research and measurement infrastructure will be installed. The next stage involves testing of subsequent subsystems until full readiness is achieved. Subsequently, the laboratory’s capabilities will be verified. Throughout the project duration, technical documentation (operation manuals, processes, procedures) will also be prepared, which could serve as a basis for subsequent research projects. Due to the dynamically growing market of rocket propulsion systems in a vacuum, there is a high demand for test laboratories testing such engines under conditions close to real ones. New space law requiring the deorbiting of “used” satellites, as well as the concept of cleaning the near-space environment from debris, will lead to even faster development of small rocket thrusters. Nationally, but also internationally, the N+ braking is a unique infrastructure. There are only a few similar laboratories, and the demand for research is very high. Developing competencies in such tests will expand the Space Technology Center and ILOT service portfolio. This will enable presence in both the domestic and international markets.

Planned effects of project realization:

The result of the investment will be a modern infrastructure and the expansion of competencies in conducting research and development of rocket propulsion systems dedicated to satellites and unmanned systems. Thanks to the solutions created, these systems will be able to efficiently conduct operational activities related to the detection, prevention, and counteraction of security threats. The planned laboratories will allow for the formalization and active conduct of research and development and testing activities in the field of propulsion, which could be utilized by systems operating in Earth’s orbit (propulsion systems dedicated to observation satellites).

CO-FINANCING: 4 042 500,00 zł
TOTAL VALUE: 5 390 000,00 zł

The project is co-financed as part of the TARGETED SUBSIDY OF THE ŁUKASIEWICZ CENTER’S PRESIDENT.

Project leader: Michał Zieliński
Phone: (+ 48) 887 810 260
E-mail: Michal.zielinski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Project duration: 1.01.2024 – 31.12.2024
Funding institution: The State Budget
Programme name: Targeted Subsidy

Thermal History Coatings for Research and Development of Space Technologies (THCOAT)

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

Thermoplastic Small Satellite Platform (TeSat)

Project description: The project focuses on replacing the existing structure of small satellites (weighing up to 200 kg) with thermoplastic composites. In cooperation with the Creotech Instruments company, the consortium is aiming at a reduction of project implementation time by 30% in terms of design, production and assembly. The project is coordinated by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation and is being carried out at the Composite Technologies Department.

The use of thermoplastic composite technology is a novelty in applications for telecommunications satellites with a mass of up to 200kg. The project’s results will be applicable in the aerospace market (potential future ESA projects at a higher TRL) and the aviation sector.

The following tasks will be carried out as part of the project:

Designing structural components of the satellite to enable manufacturing using thermoplastic composite technologies.
Characterization of thermoplastic materials.
Development of manufacturing technologies for structural elements incorporating additional features such as reinforcements and threaded inserts for instrument mounting.
Development of joining technologies through electrofusion or ultrasonic welding.
Building a model of the satellite structure.
Conducting validation tests on the manufactured structure.

Project manager: Bartłomiej Waśniewski
Phone: (+ 48) 507 561 644
E-mail: Bartlomiej.Wasniewski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Manager R&D: Piotr Kowalczyk
Project duration: 01.12.2022 – 30.09.2025
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ARTES AT 4H.006 (RE-ISSUE)
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Creotech Instruments S.A.

Throttleable Liquid Propulsion Demonstrator (TLPD)

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.