An ever-growing
Over the years, through rapidly growing collaborations in research and development, we established the European Technology Development Cluster (E-TDC)—an innovation network designed with specific targets, skills, and specializations to tackle the complex challenges shaping the Future of Flight. The E-TDC has evolved into our advanced collaboration model, bringing together the most prestigious R&D institutions, innovative SMEs, and the European affiliates of GE Aerospace.
The E-TDC is a dynamic, open network driven by a shared commitment to technology and innovation. It is structured and organized around key disciplines and objectives, governed by clear conditions and processes, and supported by state-of-the-art experimental facilities and tools.
Today, the E-TDC is composed of 10 Clusters, each focused on addressing critical challenges in aircraft propulsion.
Our E-TDC Clusters
Additive Manufacturing
The mission of this cluster is to establish a collaborative framework between industries and universities, aimed at achieving cutting-edge scientific advancements in 3D printing technologies and processes for aeronautical applications. Additionally, it focuses on fostering talent development and creating highly specialized expertise through targeted training programs
JOINT LAB: Turin Additive Lab (TAL)
Advanced Manufacturing
The mission of this cluster is to identify and develop industrial technologies with high innovation potential, exceptional quality, and strong performance capabilities. The ultimate objective is to integrate these technologies into real production environments, ideally advancing them to the maturity level required for large-scale manufacturing.
Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics
This cluster aims to carry out research activities on advanced aerodynamic and acoustic technologies for aeronautical turbines. The close collaboration with our research & development’s partners fosters and accelerate technological maturation creating rich and fruitful relationships.
JOINT LAB: PoloniaAero
Controls & Electrifications
The mission of this cluster is to develop innovative control systems and new technologies for aeronautical fluidic and electrical systems, targeting sustainability improvements and flight safety. The focus is on technologies related to propulsion control systems (HW and SW), safety critical software, engine monitoring solutions (diagnostics and prognostics), engine actuation systems and fuel regulation systems, electrical sensors, and actuators.
JOINT LAB: Energy Factory Bari (EFB)
Digital Transformation
Mission of the cluster is developing, adapting and leveraging from Digital Technologies enabling Industry 4.0 scenarios. Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity are our solutions to improve and enhance all Digital processes. Our focus is on the digital transformation of the industrial plants in which we operate, but also our processes and our products.
Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow - Combustion System
Mission of the cluster is the support of the technological development in the areas of Internal fluids, heat exchange and advanced technology for cooling systems in combustion modules. Main research streams include cooling technologies for high temperature components, air systems arrangement and sealing solutions, engine thermal management systems techniques, advanced heat exchangers and heat transport, lube systems fluid dynamics, advanced simulation approaches including advance reactive modelling, ignition, thermoacoustic and multi-domain optimization analysis.
JOINT LAB: Conbustion & Heat Transfer Lab (ComHeat Lab)
Innovative Repairs
The cluster is devoted to the development of Additive Repair Technologies to deliver cost effective Repair solutions on engine components. The additive technologies at Apulia Repair Development Centre include Powder Fed Laser Metal Deposition and Cold gas spray
JOINT LAB: Apulia Repair Development Center for Additive Repair (ARDC)
Materials & Processes
The mission of this cluster is to increase the portfolio and availability of materials to be used with Additive technologies and increase productivity. Characterize novel and legacy materials to support advanced architectures as well as cost reduction initiatives. The mission includes the study of new high strength materials for gears and bearings for Helo ecosystem and new high resistance coating for aeroengine blades.
Aeromechanics
This cluster’s mission is to expand the knowledge on the aeromechanics, supporting the high efficiency and more environmentally friendly design of new products also tackling problems eventually arising from the fleets. This close collaboration with our research & development’s partners fosters and accelerate technological maturation creating rich and fruitful relationships.
Transmission Systems
This cluster aims at enhancing the development of innovative technologies for the design, analysis, and testing on high power density systems for jet engines, innovative helicopter transmissions and new turboprops configurations, fostering a deep cooperation among industry, SMEs and academia.
JOINT LAB: Transmission System Labs (TSL)