Messen & Veranstaltungen

You can find us at the joint booth of Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE.

Fraunhofer IFAM – Innovations for aviation and aerospace of tomorrow

The aviation and aerospace sector is facing a profound change: Shorter innovation cycles are meeting increasing demands for economic efficiency, sustainability and safety. To address this, Fraunhofer IFAM is developing R&D solutions at its Bremen and Stade locations to support the transformation to an efficient, cost-effective and low-emission aviation and aerospace industry.

Key approaches include new materials, intelligent material combinations, cutting-edge machining, joining as well as assembly technologies and manufacturing processes. Its comprehensive expertise makes Fraunhofer IFAM a strategic development and technology partner for the aviation and aerospace industry.

The R&D portfolio includes, in particular:

• Functional surfaces and printed sensor technology
• Joining technologies such as adhesive bonding, thermoplastic welding and riveting
• Automated machining, joining, assembly and coating processes
• Process monitoring and quality assurance
• Aviation-compliant testing in accredited laboratories (e.g., NADCAP)
• Training of specialized staff, especially in adhesive bonding technology and fiber composite processing

Current R&D activities focus on climate-neutral aviation, decarbonization, digital and automated production processes, electric drive systems as well as drones and urban air mobility.
 

The following developments will be presented at ILA 2026

• HYTANK – Hydrogen-based energy systems for aviation
  The model of the HYTANK machining and assembly plant shows the first flexible production plant in the world for lightweight CFRP hydrogen tanks in the aviation industry. The continuously automated plant shapes the CFRP components and joins them by adhesive bonding technology at an industrial level. Integrated measurement technology and digital process data ensure reproducible quality. The plant marks the first step toward future serial production of liquid hydrogen tanks for flight operations and is thus a key milestone for the future of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
   

• HYTANK – Hydrogen tank demonstrator with barrier layer
  The original ring section of a CFRP hydrogen tank on a 1:1 scale demonstrates the flexible, large-area pre-treatment of the CFRP surface using a laser, atmospheric pressure plasma or VUV-light – customizable to the specific component geometry. The subsequent coating acts as an effective outgassing and moisture barrier for the CFRP composite and supports the vacuum insulation zone in the construction of a double-walled tank system.
   

• Future technologies for electric aviation
  Structure-integrated energy storage systems in 3D-printed lightweight structures as well as high-performance rotors for fuel cell compressors with integrated liquid cooling, enable high power densities while reducing temperatures and increasing operational reliability.
   

• New drive concepts for drones
  For drones, new drive concepts featuring cast aluminum coils are being showcased, offering advantages such as low weight, improved heat dissipation and cost-effective manufacturing.
   

• Functional surfaces against ice, erosion and contamination
  A demonstrator designed for testing in an ice wind tunnel is evaluating coatings for de-icing, erosion protection and contamination resistance – crucial for safe and efficient flight operations under extreme conditions.
   

• Composites for thermal management in aircraft manufacturing
  Customized polymer composites with high thermal conductivity, based on thermoplastics, allow targeted use depending on specific requirements.
  
  
• RAM composites for radar absorption in the aviation and aerospace sector
  Thermoplastics are the basis for individually designed composites used for radar absorption and EMC protection.