Research and Development

Driving Future Initiatives

The goal of Diehl Aviation's research work: to play a key role in developing the next generation of aircraft. The focus is on three major trends:

Integrated and modular solutions

Airlines have to hold their own in an increasingly competitive market and are focusing on maximum cost efficiency. Diehl Aviation is an important partner in this regard. The company is researching integrated solutions for the cabin. Lighting, luggage compartments, and digital displays, for example, are combined in a single product and no longer need to be ordered separately. Diehl Aviation is able to develop these innovative and cost-efficient solutions because the company has all the necessary capabilities in-house. Another area of research is modular solutions. The standardized products—including lavatories, bins, and galleys can be installed in any type of aircraft with minor adjustments. Airlines save money and time and can still offer a customizable travel experience.

Networking in the cabin

Aircraft cabins are becoming increasingly digital. The data generated in the process opens up completely new possibilities. One example is predictive maintenance. Already possible in many areas, it is still a dream of the future in ongoing flight operations. In the i+sCabin research project, for example, Diehl Aviation is testing how the relevant data – such as a defective on-board toilet or a lack of fresh water – can be sent to the ground in a standardized manner during the flight so that repairs can be prepared in advance. Data collection also has significant advantages for crew and passengers: free seats and empty luggage compartments can be monitored digitally, making the boarding process more efficient. In addition, airlines will in future be able to better track how much fresh water or coffee is consumed on which flights, derive forecasts from this, and plan quantities optimally.

Eco Efficiency

Aviation is also committed to the EU Green Deal's goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2045. Diehl Aviation is researching ways to achieve this. Take weight reduction, for example: The company is working on materials such as new composite solutions and thermoplastic materials that are even lighter than current technologies, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Take recycling, for example: Diehl Aviation is researching materials that are completely biodegradable or recyclable and recently unveiled the first fully recyclable luggage compartment. The company is also increasingly focusing on monomaterial applications that facilitate recycling.