NLR hosts ICAS

Prior to the ICAS Programme Committee meeting, a one-day symposium was held on Aviation and the Environment, in which experts from countries around the world shared their views on this important subject. One of the NLR-speakers outlined what the NLR is doing alone and with various partners to ensure aviation remains sustainable, such as working to reduce noise and emissions, which the NLR does by conducting research on new flight procedures and reducing noise at the source (the aircraft, engines and landing gear, for example). The ICAS Programme Committee members were also given tours of the various NLR facilities, such as the high-speed wind tunnel, the air traffic control simulators Narsim Tower and Narsim Radar, the Helicopter Pilot Station, and the flight simulator Grace. Many leading figures from the world of international aviation thus experienced firsthand the NLRs unique expertise and facilities.

ICAS - the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences - is a global organisation that offers a platform for aeronautic researchers, including by organising a major biennial congress. In 2010, the congress will be held in Nice (France). To prepare for this prestigious congress, last month 60 leading aeronautics industry representatives who comprise the ICAS Programme Committee met at the NLR to evaluate the approximately 700 abstracts submitted for consideration and then select a shortlist of papers for presentation at the 2010 congress. Among the committee experts were Joachim Szodruch, the executive director of DLR (German Aerospace Center), and the ICAS chairman, Ian Poll, of Cranfield University. Representing the NLR were Fred Abbink, the current executive director, and Michel Peters, who will succeed Mr Abbink as executive director as of 1 January 2010. Mr Peters is a member of the ICAS Programme Committee. Mr Abbink is, until 2010, a member of the ICAS Executive Committee as Past President. ICAS provides the NLR with a vital worldwide network.