Propulsion

The “Propulsion” unit oversees the definition, development and management of research and technology development programs and projects in the field of Aerospace Propulsion. The Unit also provides the management and competitive development of engineering, experimental and validation services in this field and in those within its area of competence, as well as in potential spin-off and technology transfer areas. In this framework there is a constant commitment aimed at contributing effectively to national sustainable competitiveness. This is done by encouraging and implementing the development of distinctive capabilities and competencies, perfecting equipment and technical methodologies and pursuing innovative results.

Applied research activities in the Aerospace Propulsion field are aimed at:

• Acquiring the ability to design and build liquid or hybrid propellant rocket engines and verifying it by building system and technology demonstrators.
• Acquiring the enabling technologies, qualified on the ground or in flight, and of the corresponding equipment capabilities, to support the design of future space engines.
• Acquiring leading-edge propulsion technologies, aimed at the construction of innovative airbreathing engines (such as ramjets and scramjets), also aiming at cutting down the pollutants released by combustion processes.

To this end the Unit is developing research and applied research activities in line with the subjects of greater interest to the propulsion industry, as well as fully coherent with current trends and state of the art.