In November 2020, the TU Braunschweig received its new research aircraft, a Cessna F406 Caravan II. From summer 2021 this aircraft will be available for a wide range of research tasks with extensive measurement technology.
Dornier 128 D-IBUF
The twin-engined Dornier Do 128-6 is probably the secret star among the research vehicles at the TU Braunschweig. The most experienced is the machine with the identification “D-IBUF”: it has been in the service of the Institute for Flight Guidance (IFF) for thirty years. The “IBUF”, as it is affectionately known by the IFF staff, is the only airworthy machine of its kind in the world today. It is also unique that a university has such a research aircraft and uses it for research projects as well as training.
ISTAR Dassault Falcon 2000LX "D-BDLR"
With 11 aircrafts, DLR operates the largest fleet of research aircraft in Europe. The newest member - the Dassault Falcon 2000LX, has been in service since January 31, 2020 under the name "ISTAR - In-Flight Systems and Technologies Airborne Research".
With ISTAR, DLR has a flight test vehicle with which new technologies are being worked on, new aircrafts are being simulated and the digitalization of aviation is being further advanced. The research aircraft is essential for the development of new, environmentally friendly, efficient aircraft, propulsion systems and assistance systems.
Airbus A320-232 D-ATRA
The largest member of the fleet, the Airbus A320-232 "D-ATRA", has been in use for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) since the end of 2008. ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft) is a modern and flexible flight test platform. It sets a new benchmark for flying test vehicles in European aviation research in terms of size.
Dornier 228-101 D-CODE
The Dornier Do 228-101, identification D-CODE, is used by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig as a flying universal research platform for a wide variety of experiments. It is used to carry out flow studies on the laminar profiles of wings. An other test field are the optical sensors to generate an artificial view from the outside and flight guidance systems, it also used for remote sensing missions.
Robin DR400-200R D-EDVE
The powerful four-seat motorized aircraft DR 400 / 200R Remorqueur - D-EDVE - is primarily used by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as a towing aircraft for gliders. It is also used as a transport aircraft and for pilot training. The single-engine DR 400 / 200R aircraft is based on a Jodel Robin DR 400 from the French company Apex Group. A characteristic feature of a DR 400 are the gull wings, which ensure more inherent stability.
Discus 2c D-9833
The Discus-2c DLR represents a new generation of research aircraft in small aviation in almost every respect. The structural design alone shows the glider's progress: the Discus is largely made of the carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) that is common today. The Discus is based on a widely used high-performance glider with a wingspan of 18 m. Research with this research glider, which is unique in Europe, goes far beyond pure aerodynamics. It deals with questions of flight mechanics, aeroelasticity, measurement technology and human-machine interaction and approval. In the field of digitalisation research, the Discus-2c DLR serves as a prototype for developing and researching a digital twin.
Airbus Helicopter EC 135 D-HFHS
The "Flying Helicopter Simulator" ACT / FHS of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is based on a series helicopter of the Eurocopter EC 135 type. It has been significantly modified for use of a research and experimental device. The mechanical control was replaced by a fly-by-wire / fly-by-light control (FBW / FBL). Instead of control rods, electrical cables and fiber optic cables now transmit the control commands.
The fly-by-light control is a groundbreaking new system in which, in contrast to fly-by-wire, the control signals between the control elements, the flight control computer and the actuators for the rotor blade control are not transmitted electrically, but optically via optical fibers.
The range of applications of the FHS includes the training of pilots, the testing of new control and regulation systems. The FHS is equipped with two engines, a bearingless main rotor and a Fenestron tail rotor; it is characterized by particularly quiet operation, high mobility and security.
Eurocopter BO 105
The five-seat helicopter Eurocopter BO 105 is based on a light multi-purpose helicopter from Messerschmitt-Bölkow Blohm GmbH (MBB) and has been heavily modified for its use as a universal research vehicle by the DLR in Braunschweig. The BO 105 has a wide range of services and is particularly suitable for use in a variety of research missions, including being a research platform for flight characteristics studies, low-noise approaches, thermal imaging, pilot assistance systems and flying with external loads.
Depending on the requirements, the BO 105 can be equipped with special equipment. These include a nose mast to determine the flow conditions. Additionally, the main and tail rotor blades can be modified with pressure sensors and strain gauges to measure the forces and pressure conditions on the rotor blade.
It was the first helicopter in Germany to be equipped with a hingeless rotor head and two turbines as standard. The BO 105 was also the first helicopter whose rotor blades were made of fiberglass reinforced plastic. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce / Allison 250-C 20B engines.
