Our assets

Onera is the Only Aerospace Research Entity of Its Kind in France and Europe

Besides its business volume, Onera has five unrivaled assets.

1. Multidisciplinary Teams

Onera is organized in 16 scientific departments, grouped in four branches:

Fluid Mechanics and Energetics
Physics
Materials and Structures
Information Processing and Systems

In other words, Onera is involved in nearly all scientific disciplines needed to drive progress in aerospace. By definition, it is a multidisciplinary organization. What’s more, our researchers practice cross-fertilization on a daily basis,. Responding to the requirements of industry, they have learned how to work with specialists in multiple disciplines, for applications-oriented projects. This applies within Onera of course, but also to teams from other laboratories.

2. Dual Experience in Computation-Experimentation

Onera takes a two-pronged approach to research, combining computation and experimentation.

Today, advanced simulation is the backbone of scientific research. But experimentation is still widely used at every stage, to build our knowledge base. Experiments are often the starting point, carried out on basic components to characterize behavior. Further along in the process, experiments are used to validate models and readjust their parameters in line with actual operating data.

3. Understanding of Industrial Applications

In 60 years of research for the aerospace and defense industries, Onera has developed a keen understanding of real-world applications, and how models reflect this reality. Our researchers have formed tight bonds with industry, building up an invaluable stock of knowledge on the concrete applications of science. This means that Onera’s researchers can anticipate industry’s requirements and propose operational solutions that reflect the actual environment.

4. A Fleet of Test Facilities Unrivaled in Europe

Onera deploys three types of test facilities to support its dual computation/experimentation approach:

Lab testing facilities: about 150 of these installations, primarily used for basic research: laser velocimetry test stands, electron guns, friction stir welding, etc. They are managed by the scientific departments.
Intermediate testing facilities, also managed by the scientific departments, and requiring heavier investments, including the construction of buildings. These facilities include the B20 model free-flight test lab in Lille, the Turma turbomachinery test rig in Modane-Avrieux, and the Mascotte and ATD combustion test benches in Palaiseau.
Large-scale testing facilities: mainly the “industrial” wind tunnels at Fauga-Mauzac and Modane-Avrieux. Operated by the Computing, Engineering and Testing Facilities Division (GMT) on behalf of Onera or outside clients. GMT also covers the design and production of wind-tunnel models and complex equipment for fluid mechanics research, as well as management of the computer network and computation systems.

5. Dual Technology: Civil and Military

Onera’s “business portfolio” is very balanced:

1/3 civil
1/3 defense
1/3 dual technology

It is not uncommon that research initiated for one sector is eventually used by another.

Welcome to Onera, the French Aerospace Lab