German aerospace research center DLR has launched a partnership with Diehl Aviation to jointly work on civil aircraft systems, cabin technologies, and supply systems technologies.
Planned research and development projects are expected to include advances in avionics, cabin equipment, and onboard supplies. DLR and Germany-based Diehl Aviation said they will also focus on developing new methods for design and verification tasks, including virtual aircraft approval systems.
Through the Diehl Aerospace joint venture with French group Thales, Diehl is developing generic computer modules that combine multiple aircraft functions into a single unit. These can be integrated with various system architectures, including integrated modular avionics, and can be scaled for aircraft as varied as eVTOL vehicles and widebody airliners.
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Diehl is unveiling a flight control demonstrator with a fully electric fly-by-wire control loop. The unit incorporates actuator technology and a Wittenstein motion control system.
As part of efforts to decarbonize aviation, Diehl is introducing new manufacturing materials, such as recyclable thermoplastics and lightweight composite structures. It has also developed advanced cabin lighting systems with lower energy requirements.