The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is showcasing its latest advancements in climate-compatible aviation, space security, and human space exploration at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) Berlin, running from June 10 to 14, 2026.

In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), DLR is presenting physical research aircraft, engineering simulators, and space exploration technologies at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport. The exhibition highlights Germany and Europe’s strategic push toward aerospace autonomy and sustainable aviation technologies, according to a press release issued by DLR.

Aviation research and the D328 UpLift testbed

A central focus of DLR’s aviation exhibition is the integration of digital simulation with physical flight testing. The organization is displaying several research aircraft on the ILA Plaza, including the In-flight Systems & Technology Airborne Research (ISTAR) Dassault Falcon 2000LX and the D328 UpLift flying testbed, a modified Dornier 328-100.

Inside the exhibition halls, DLR is operating the ESIM2 engineering simulator. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board, stated that the organization is presenting both the reality and the simulation of the D328 UpLift project for the first time by pairing the physical aircraft on the plaza with a true-to-life engineering simulator of a Dornier 328 cockpit at the DLR stand.

This dual approach supports broader industry efforts to streamline aircraft development. On June 10, 2026, Aviation Week reported that DLR is utilizing the UpLift flying testbed to explore “certification by analysis” methodologies. These methodologies aim to mature aviation technologies sooner by relying on advanced digital modeling validated by targeted physical flight tests.

Space exploration and the new control center

In the space sector, DLR is co-hosting the Space Pavilion alongside ESA and BDLI under the slogan “Space4Future.” The pavilion focuses on Earth observation, planetary defense, and in-space operations. Anne-Sophie Bradelle, Head of the ESA Communication Department, noted that the joint exhibition demonstrates Europe’s achievements in space and strengthens the region’s autonomy in the current geopolitical environment.

DLR is also detailing its plans for the new Human Exploration Control Center (HECC). In February 2026, DLR received 58 million euros in funding from the Free State of Bavaria for the facility’s construction. The organization has allocated an additional 20 million euros from its institutional core funding for the project.

Construction of the HECC is scheduled to begin in 2028 in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, with operations slated to start in 2030. Visitors to the DLR stand can view insights into the emerging control center alongside other space technologies, including the Martian moon rover Idefix and the MAPHEUS sounding rocket programme.

AirPro News analysis

We view DLR’s emphasis on “certification by analysis” and physical testbeds like the D328 UpLift as a critical step for the European aerospace sector. By bridging the gap between digital simulation and physical flight testing, research institutions can help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce the time and cost associated with bringing sustainable aviation technologies to market. The substantial regional and institutional investment in the HECC also signals a long-term commitment to maintaining European autonomy in human spaceflight operations.

Sources: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

GE Aerospace (GE) and its subsidiary Avio Aero have completed critical testing milestones for hydrogen combustion and hybrid electric propulsion systems at facilities in Germany. Announced on June 12, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the tests advance technologies intended for the CFM International RISE program.

The milestones, achieved in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, focus on the HYDEA and AMBER projects. According to a press release issued by GE Aerospace, these developments support the broader goal of the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, which targets a fuel burn improvement of more than 20 percent compared to current commercial engines. The engineering work supporting these milestones spans centers in Germany, Italy, Poland, and Türkiye.

Hydrogen combustion and altitude restart validation

The HYDEA project successfully executed its first engine restart test using hydrogen under simulated altitude conditions. Conducted at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen, Germany, the test utilized a custom hydrogen sector combustor test rig.

Engineers employed a synthetic air generator to replicate dry air at specific flight conditions, allowing the team to establish a relight operability envelope for hydrogen fuel. The specialized ignition system used in the test was designed and manufactured by Unison, another GE Aerospace company. Luca Bedon, Head of Research and Technology at Avio Aero, stated that the European teams are turning ideas into tested capabilities alongside their research partners.

Hybrid electric fuel cell testing

Parallel to the hydrogen tests, the AMBER project concluded a testing campaign on a proprietary fuel cell system at the DLR BALIS facility. This megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion initiative focused on the dynamic behavior of fuel cells during flight operations.

The testing validated the system’s ability to transition from idle to maximum power during short transient times. It also demonstrated the fuel cell’s resilience across various power modes designed to simulate both short-range and long-range flight profiles.

“The future of flight is more electric. We’re proud to partner with DLR and others around the world to advance the building blocks to help make hybrid electric aviation a reality,” said Roman Seele, Future of Flight Leader for GE Aerospace in Germany.

Broader implications for the CFM RISE program

The technologies validated through HYDEA and AMBER will feed into the CFM International RISE program. CFM International is a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. Unveiled in 2021, the RISE program has accumulated more than 350 tests and over 3,000 cycles of endurance testing to date.

GE Aerospace and Avio Aero are also participating in additional Clean Aviation initiatives, including the TAKE OFF and OFELIA projects. These parallel efforts focus on Open Fan ground and flight test demonstrators led by Safran Aircraft Engines. María Calvo, Head of Project Management at the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, noted that Avio Aero’s ongoing commitment reflects the strength of European industrial collaboration in delivering technologies for the next generation of aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

We view the concurrent progress in both hydrogen combustion and megawatt-class hybrid electric systems as a strong indicator of GE Aerospace’s diversified approach to the CFM RISE program. By utilizing European research infrastructure like the DLR facilities, the manufacturer is effectively distributing the high research and development costs associated with next-generation propulsion. The successful altitude relight test for hydrogen is particularly notable, as ignition and flame stability at altitude remain primary technical hurdles for direct hydrogen combustion in commercial aircraft.

Sources: GE Aerospace

Safran Aircraft Engines has completed more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing on its 1/5-scale ECOENGInE demonstrator, advancing the acoustic and aerodynamic validation of the CFM RISE Open Fan architecture.

In a press release published on June 12, 2026, the manufacturer detailed its progress following the 32nd American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Council of European Aerospace Societies (CEAS) Aeroacoustics Conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on May 28, 2026. The testing program addresses the primary environmental and regulatory hurdle for open rotor engines: managing noise emissions without a traditional engine nacelle.

Validating the Open Fan architecture

The ECOENGInE demonstrator testing took place at the ONERA S1MA wind tunnel in France and the DNW Large Low-speed Facility in the Netherlands. The test campaign stems from a framework agreement announced on January 19, 2024, between Safran and ONERA. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) supports the initiative through the Civil Aviation Research Council (CORAC) plan, which funds research to simulate real-world airspeeds and validate the fan module’s performance.

The 400 hours of accumulated testing provide physical data to verify numerical simulations of the Open Fan configuration as it would be installed on a commercial aircraft wing. This physical validation is required to prove that the computer models accurately predict how the airflows and sound waves will behave in flight.

Acoustic challenges of the CFM RISE program

The CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program is managed by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. The program targets a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared to current-generation commercial aircraft engines, with an entry-into-service goal of 2035 for next-generation single-aisle jets.

Removing the engine nacelle is central to achieving these efficiency gains through a significantly higher bypass ratio. However, the un-ducted design exposes the fan blades, creating complex aeroacoustic phenomena. Engineers must mitigate this noise to comply with stringent airport community noise regulations and ensure passenger cabin comfort.

At the AIAA/CEAS conference, Safran authored or co-authored approximately 12 technical papers detailing these efforts. The research involves collaboration with multiple European institutions, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Belgium, and the École Centrale de Lyon in France.

AirPro News analysis

We view the accumulation of 400 wind tunnel test hours as a critical de-risking step for the CFM RISE program. While the targeted 20% fuel burn reduction offers a clear economic incentive for airlines, acoustic certification remains the most significant technical barrier for any open rotor architecture. Historical attempts at un-ducted fans in the 1980s faltered largely due to insurmountable cabin and community noise issues.

By demonstrating that modern numerical acoustic modeling aligns with physical wind tunnel data, Safran and GE Aerospace are building the foundational environmental case required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The extensive involvement of European academic and state research institutions also indicates a broad regulatory and governmental alignment behind the Open Fan concept ahead of the 2035 target date.

Sources: Safran Group