Research & Technology

Research and innovation are central to STELIA Aerospace’s strategy

STELIA Aerospace invests long term in its people and in the research resources needed to prepare for the future with high levels of expertise and cutting-edge technologies. Located in all the Group’s main production and engineering facilities in France – Méaulte, Saint-Nazaire, Rochefort and Toulouse – the Research and Technology (R&T) department works to develop the future technologies that will keep STELIA Aerospace at the forefront of innovation in design and manufacturing.

The real strength of our Research & Technology commitment is rooted in our teams of passionate engineers and technicians, our network of internal experts and our in-house advanced development resources, as well as a dynamic collaborative research philosophy underpinned by an extensive network of customers, subcontractors and partners, ranging from universities to public-sector technical and research centers.

The STELIA Aerospace R&T department has the full range of skills required for advanced technological development: design, dimensioning, a test pyramid that extends from simple element (coupon) testing through manufacturing of hi-tech sample components with complex loadings, process simulation, development of tools, machines and complex industrial systems, down to the production of full-scale demonstrators. Combined with our EN9100-certified research management processes, this extremely broad spectrum of skills allows us to bring new technologies to high levels of maturity.

The R&T department also has its own laboratories, including STELIALAB in Méaulte (France). Handling cutting-edge technologies from fiber placement robots to friction stir welding (FSW) and assembly robotics, this laboratory was set up specifically to explore new fields of research and apply them to our specialist aerostructures, systems and interior design business lines. Our other research centers are located as closely as possible to the facilities that manufacture the products concerned, especially regarding thermoplastic pipes and the simulation of drawing and machining processes at Saint-Nazaire.

All R&T facilities for the cabin fit-out and Pilot Seats business lines are located in Rochefort. It is here that the seats of tomorrow are envisioned and designed to create new products, such as the brand new OPERA Business Class seat. Rochefort also hosts the GENOSIA collaborative research project, aimed at developing the next generation of Pilot Seats.

Innovation is focused on 4 priorities:
1. Materials to develop more eco-efficient products while improving perceived quality and hygiene
2. Integrating hi-tech functions that add new richness to the customer experience
3. Conceptualizing tomorrow’s aircraft seats
4. Dynamic behavior modeling

6 main fields of research