SIEC BADAWCZA LUKASIEWICZ-INSTYTUT LOTNICTWA

Their core work

The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation is Poland's primary aerospace research centre, specializing in the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft structural components — particularly for rotorcraft and tilt-rotor platforms. They build and test engine nacelles, rotor head fairings, exhaust systems, and aerodynamic control surfaces, working closely with Europe's Clean Sky 2 programme. Beyond airframe work, they contribute to hybrid electric propulsion studies, urban air mobility concepts, and have applied their turbomachinery expertise to energy sector flexibility challenges.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014–2018), the Institute focused on traditional rotorcraft component design — composite fairings, engine compartments — alongside a notable foray into energy-sector turbomachinery through TURBO-REFLEX. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward next-generation aircraft concepts: hybrid electric propulsion (IMOTHEP), urban air mobility (ASSURED-UAM, X-TEAM D2D), and advanced nacelle manufacturing for civil tilt-rotors (TRAIL). The trajectory shows a clear move from conventional rotorcraft hardware toward electrified and autonomous aviation systems.

Moving from traditional rotorcraft component supplier toward future aviation concepts — hybrid electric, UAM, and autonomous systems — making them a strong partner for next-generation air transport projects.

How they like to work

The Institute operates as both a capable coordinator (5 of 18 projects) and a reliable consortium partner (13 projects), showing versatility in project roles. With 233 unique partners across 22 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators. Their heavy involvement in Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking projects (at least 9 projects) indicates they are deeply embedded in Europe's core aerospace research ecosystem and trusted by major airframe OEMs.

Extensive European aerospace network spanning 233 unique partners across 22 countries, built primarily through Clean Sky 2 and transport-focused consortia. As a Polish institute, they bridge Central European manufacturing capability with Western European aerospace OEMs and research centres.

What sets them apart

As Poland's flagship aviation research institute within the Łukasiewicz Research Network, they offer a rare combination: deep aerospace engineering capability at Central European cost levels, with direct experience manufacturing and testing flight-ready components — not just simulations or studies. Their progression into hybrid electric propulsion and urban air mobility means they can bridge traditional airframe expertise with emerging aviation technologies, a combination few single institutes offer. For consortium builders, they bring hands-on hardware delivery capability backed by wind tunnel and test infrastructure.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TRAIL
  Largest project (€1.86M) coordinated by the Institute — designed and manufactured a high-performance, low-cost nacelle for the Next Generation Civil Tilt Rotor, showcasing their end-to-end aerospace manufacturing capability.
• ASSURED-UAM
  Coordinated project on urban air mobility safety and deployment standards — signals the Institute's strategic move into future aviation beyond traditional rotorcraft.
• GAM-2020-AIR
  Second-largest funding (€1.17M) in the Clean Sky 2 Airframe ITD, covering eco-design for both aircraft and rotorcraft — confirms their position as a core Clean Sky airframe contributor.