Research Services

Aerospace & Advanced Composites GmbH (AAC) provides research services for customers and partners in the space, aerospace, industrial, energy and defense sectors. In this role, we research materials, components, test methods and test equipment in order to generate new knowledge, expand scientific and technological understanding, and establish the basis for future products, processes and applications.

Our research activities are driven by technical questions, material behaviour, performance limits and the need for improved testing capabilities. AAC investigates fundamental and applied topics related to materials, components and verification approaches under demanding environmental and operational conditions. The objective is to create reliable knowledge, stronger methodologies and sound technical foundations for future development work across multiple sectors.

AAC has long-standing experience in contract and collaborative research. Since 1989, the company has contributed to research projects for ESA, aerospace customers, industrial partners and publicly funded initiatives at national and European level. This includes direct research contracts, ESA-related programmes such as TDE and GSTP, and research activities funded in Austria and across Europe.

Typical AAC research tasks include experimental studies, material investigations, performance analysis, degradation and failure mechanism studies, environmental effect assessment, and the advancement of new test concepts, laboratory methods and specialised test equipment. Research campaigns may range from basic material studies to component-level investigations and advanced hardware testing. The outcome is validated insight, improved technical understanding and a stronger basis for future engineering and development decisions.

Beyond the technical research work, AAC also contributes to the planning and coordination of collaborative research projects, including proposal preparation for ESA calls, FFG programmes and European research initiatives. AAC also brings together industrial partners, technology developers, research institutions and future users to ensure that research topics remain relevant for practical applications in space, aerospace, industry, energy and defense.

Core research areas include the investigation of material and component behaviour under demanding environmental and operational conditions, as well as the research and advancement of test methods and test equipment required for reliable characterisation, validation and next-generation technology development.