Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL)

The Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL), executed by Royal NLR and TU Delft, focuses on computational and simulation models to predict the effects of aviation innovations and policy choices. With these models, DASAL can provide insights into the interplay between sustainability, economic, and societal impact.

The Dutch aviation sector and government can use this to substantiate their decision-making.

For the project, consider effects of technological, operational, and policy-driven innovations not only on emissions but also on noise, safety, and flight performance. DASAL integrates new models with existing ones in a research environment. This environment enables the simulation of relevant components of the current and future aviation system.

The Dutch aviation sector and government face the challenge of transitioning to a climate-neutral Dutch aviation industry by 2050. This transition requires new technologies and, in the short and long term, alternative ways of flying and different policies. To guide, accelerate, prioritize, and increase the success rate of such innovations, predicting their expected effects is an indispensable step in the innovation development process.

DASAL develops computational and simulation models, which are interconnected, including integration with existing models, within a research environment. This ‘lab’ environment enables comprehensive impact studies that support the innovation development process across the full breadth of the Dutch aviation sector and government.

In DASAL, NLR and TU Delft combine their expertise and capacity to predict and provide insights into the comprehensive impacts of technological, operational, and policy-driven innovations in aviation. In doing so, DASAL supports the development process of innovations aimed at achieving sustainable aviation.

Significant knowledge has already been built across all the above-mentioned areas. However, the interconnection of various models, so that their effects can be considered in close correlation, can still be improved. The enhanced collaboration and integration of models and methods from NLR and TU Delft in this critical area will not only improve accuracy but also expand the scope and type of questions that can be answered.

• Initial specification of model development
• Development of first concept models
• Technical demonstration of the initial version of the research environment