Innovation - MTU Aero Engines

Driven by innovation

As a high-tech company, we are recognized around the globe for our advanced engine technologies. Our tremendous innovative strength is attested to by the over 200 patent applications and invention disclosures we file every year. We’ve been setting the pace in the aviation industry for decades and are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We do this together with our partners: an excellent network of industry, universities, and research institutes. Together, we’re constantly finding successful new technologies and propulsion concepts to transform aviation into a more sustainable industry. Our focus here is on further developing our core competencies—high-pressure compressors, low-pressure turbines, and turbine center frames—as well as cutting-edge, automated manufacturing and repair processes.

Cutting-edge technologies for sustainable aviation

To transform aviation into a more sustainable industry, we must significantly reduce the climate impact and energy consumption of aircraft engines. That’s why we’re constantly hard at work to make those engines even more efficient and sustainable—in close, interdisciplinary collaboration with our industry and research partners. We accepted the challenge and firmly believe that, if we are to achieve ambitious climate targets, we must also develop completely new propulsion concepts in combination with alternative fuels. Two concepts we’re particularly keen on are the Revolutionary Turbofan and the Flying Fuel Cell^TM (FFC). In the long term, the FFC has the potential to deliver flight that is virtually emissions-free.

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High tech for the air force of tomorrow

The New Generation Fighter Engine (NGFE) sets new standards for sixth-generation fighter jets. As the heart of the New Generation Fighter, part of Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), it combines maximum efficiency, innovative hybrid technologies, and extreme performance. We contribute our expertise in key areas such as compressor technology and engine control—for the ultimate in power, maneuverability, and availability on every mission. We’re also thinking ahead for Europe’s military helicopters: together with Safran and Avio Aero, we’re collaborating on innovative propulsion solutions for tomorrow.

Here you can find out what innovative technologies are in development for the NGFE:

New Generation Fighter Engine

Engine components “made by MTU”

Our engine components are some of the best the market has to offer: we produce world-class low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, and turbine center frames. Our modules can be found in commercial engines of all common aircraft types, from business jets to short- and medium-haul aircraft and widebodies. Today, one in three commercial aircraft worldwide features MTU components. We also have many years of expertise in military aviation. Our activities encompass the entire engine lifecycle: from development and production to innovative repair and maintenance solutions. Thanks to our experience and technological expertise, we always develop the best solution for our customers—and their mission.

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Innovative processes in manufacturing and maintenance

Engines are high-tech products that call for innovative manufacturing processes and repair techniques. At MTU, our expertise spans the full spectrum of activities—from process development to new testing and measurement methods to the automation of manufacturing and maintenance as well as their simulations. As one of the leading blisk manufacturers, we operate one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities for this type of compressor rotor. Our expertise is also evident in processes such as additive manufacturing and in our high-tech repair techniques for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. In addition, we offer innovative solutions such as fleet management software and engine trend monitoring.

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The virtual engine

By using digital twins, we aim to map the entire lifecycle of an engine in the virtual space—starting with the first design sketch, continuing on to manufacturing, and ultimately to daily use above the clouds. This enables us to detect deviations at an early stage, increase efficiency, and carry out predictive maintenance. As a result, we can save time, reduce costs, and ensure even greater reliability in aviation. You can find out exactly how this works here:

The virtual engine

High-performance materials for the engines of the future

Any new materials or coatings for engines of the future have to be lightweight, extremely resistant to heat, and robust. We focus on the best material classes, such as single crystals, high-temperature-resistant disk materials, materials for additively manufactured components, and specific protective coatings. More and more, we’re looking at materials that are new to us as an engine manufacturer. Functional materials with specific electrical, chemical, magnetic, and catalytic properties play a decisive role in our revolutionary Flying Fuel Cell^TM propulsion concept. Together with our partners, we’re optimizing and qualifying these materials in terms of their properties and means of manufacture.

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A strong research network

Groundbreaking technologies require visionary ideas and regular injections of fresh momentum. For this we turn to our strong network of industry and research partners. The focus is on basic research at selected leading institutes, trend research, and the development of visionary engine concepts at Bauhaus Luftfahrt as well as exchange with experts across industries. We’re involved in the top research projects at the German and European levels, such as Germany’s Federal Aviation Research Program (LuFo), technology development for the German Federal Ministry of Defence, and the EU’s Clean Aviation. Sustained, long-term public funding is a key pillar for the successful development of innovative technologies at MTU. As we drive aviation technology forward, we rely on a new generation of skilled employees. To that end, we promote exchange and collaboration with young and talented individuals.

Where ideas take off into innovations

At MTU’s Inno Lab, we give fresh ideas wings. We experiment, tinker, and translate creative approaches into tangible prototypes. Our interdisciplinary team works across locations and collaborates with external partners to develop creative solutions for the aviation of tomorrow. We use state-of-the-art methods and processes to identify trends at an early stage and drive innovation forward in the long term.

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