LGAI TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER SA

Their core work

LGAI Technological Center, operating under the Applus+ group, is a testing, inspection, and certification laboratory based near Barcelona. In H2020 projects, they specialize in structural testing and validation of advanced composite and thermoplastic aerostructures — running full-scale mechanical tests, developing test benches, and validating computational models against experimental data. Their core contribution is bridging the gap between simulation and real-world performance for aerospace and transport structures, particularly for out-of-autoclave manufacturing processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), LGAI participated broadly in manufacturing process development — from nanomanufacturing scale-up to composite frame production and thermoplastic forming, often as a partner contributing testing capabilities. From 2019 onward, their focus sharpened significantly toward aerospace structural testing and validation: TABASCO and DEMONSTRATE (both as coordinator) center on full-scale testing, airframe demonstrators, and computational model validation, while SOFIA targets infusion panel test methods. The shift from general manufacturing participant to aerospace test authority is unmistakable.

LGAI is consolidating its position as a go-to independent testing center for next-generation aircraft structures, increasingly leading projects rather than just contributing test capacity.

How they like to work

LGAI coordinates a third of its projects (3 of 9), and the coordination rate increased over time — both TABASCO and DEMONSTRATE were led by LGAI in the later period. With 41 unique partners across 13 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a tight cluster of repeat collaborators. Their participation in 6 Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking projects signals strong integration into Europe's aerospace research ecosystem, making them a well-connected and trusted testing partner.

LGAI has collaborated with 41 distinct partners across 13 European countries, with heavy involvement in Clean Sky 2 consortia connecting them to major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Their network is strongly oriented toward the European aerospace supply chain.

What sets them apart

LGAI combines the independence and credibility of a certification body (Applus+ group) with deep hands-on research capability in aerospace structural testing — a rare combination. Unlike university labs, they bring industrial-grade test infrastructure and TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) accreditation; unlike large aerospace OEMs, they are a neutral third party. For consortium builders, this means LGAI can serve as both the experimental validation partner and an impartial quality authority.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TABASCO
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 1.04M) and coordinator role — focused on developing low-cost structural testing solutions for aerospace, signaling LGAI's ambition to lead in this space.
• DEMONSTRATE
  Their most recent coordinated project, centered on full-scale fuselage demonstrator testing and structural integrity — represents the culmination of their aerospace testing expertise.
• FORMIT
  Their first coordination role in H2020, focused on thermoplastic forming and modular integration — marked LGAI's transition from participant to project leader in Clean Sky 2.