The Italian aerospace industry takes a significant step towards the future with the launch of the new technological infrastructure “IS4Aerospace – Knowledge Transfer Innovation Infrastructure for New Aerospace Challenges”, a project with a total value of 23.6 million euros. Financed by the Ministry of University and Research as part of the Pnrr and supported by a public-private partnership, the project involves the Polytechnic of Turin, Avio Aero, Leonardo and Thales Alenia Space.
This initiative is part of the ambitious framework of the City of Aerospace, an innovation ecosystem promoted by the Piedmont Region in collaboration with public and private partners. Common objective: accelerate the development of frontier technologies in the aeronautical and space sectors, strengthening strategic skills in line with European policies on the environment and climate.
Among the main themes addressed by new labs include product lifecycle digitalisation, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, electric propulsion, metamaterials, autonomous flight and space missions. The infrastructure will support the development of advanced components and systems through numerical simulations, Digital Twins and testing under realistic conditions, ensuring rapid and effective innovation.
The Rector of the Polytechnic of Turin, Stefano Corgnatiunderlined the importance of the project: “The new IS4Aerospace infrastructure is one of the first concrete results of the strategy that the University is pursuing for the networking of research infrastructures in the areatogether and with businesses. The creation of places dedicated to research in partnership can not only encourage joint innovation activities, but also be a stimulus for the development of our territorial ecosystem, especially in a sector as dynamic and with high technological density as that of Space”.
Avio Aero will create a High Performance Computing laboratory for the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion systems, with a focus on sustainable fuels and aerodynamic simulations. Leonardo will develop the AI.rcraft Innovation Center, with four laboratories dedicated to artificial intelligence, advanced pilot monitoring, human-machine interfaces and autonomous aircraft management. Thales Alenia Space will contribute with the “Materials One Point Service”, a laboratory for space exploration and the development of innovative solutions for competitive design.
The infrastructure, coordinated by the Polytechnic of Turin, represents a engine for the competitiveness of the Italian aerospace sector, creating qualified employment and strengthening collaboration between academia, large companies, SMEs and startups. Located in the heart of the City of Aerospace, the laboratories present themselves as the fulcrum of an integrated ecosystem, capable of tackling global challenges with cutting-edge technological solutions.
Related News :