The European project DREAMS sees alternative ways of landing - involving steeper approach paths and shifting the runway threshold (the place where the aircraft first touches the runway) - as a possible future solution that is less environmentally damaging, reduces noise pollution and contributes to a safe capacity increase of landing aircraft at an airport. The study uses precise satellite navigation technology for this purpose with a ground station sending signals for the aircraft to fly said approaches.

Most of the flights are carried out by NLR's research aircraft: a small business jet with measuring equipment on board, the Cessna Citation. This will be used to test and calibrate the experimental ground system. On several days, the aircraft will approach the runway several times and then take off again. In addition, two larger passenger aircraft from TUI and Lufthansa will also perform a number of flights on one day.

Twente Airport as a breeding ground and testing ground

The innovative Twente Airport (part of Technology Base) is suitable for testing manned and unmanned systems. The nearly three-kilometre runway and relatively quiet airspace offer all the space needed to test innovations safely in practice at an early stage. Partly by facilitating tests such as the one conducted next week by NLR, Twente Airport can grow into a breeding ground and testing ground for the necessary sustainability of aviation. 

More information about the test flights: www.twente-airport.nl/en/news/test-flights-nlr-at-twente-airport