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1'Bernord Frimal- v,as Fresidenl of 11,6 Nord-Pas de Calais regional council, lays the cornerstone of the Auguste Raleau building atthe Lille Fluid Mechanics Institute, on November 27, 1996. 2 - The Lille Fluid Mechanics Institute hosts an open-house in honor of the 50th anniversaty of Onero, on November 30, 1996. - - - 3 - Jearvlouis.Chaussende, principal private secretary to Ministecof Defense CharlesJvWlon, inaugurates the ’Les Ingen ieurs du Ciel" exhibition at the La Villelte Science and industry Museum, c December 10, 1996. Also in attendance are Onera chairman Michel Scheller and GerarcLSemblanet, exhibition project manager. ~s _ 4 ■ Keynote address by Dominique Baudis, European deputy and Mayorof Toulouse, at the Onercrj"Cosl Reduction" conference on October 28, 1996. 5-Jean-Yves Helmer, head of France's DGA arms-procuremenl agency, welcomed by Michel Scheller, Dominique Baudis and Georges Duvauf at the Onera conference on October.28, 1996. 1 6 - French defense n, nee Grades Millon inaugurates the new metrology laboratory and lays the'eornerstone for iheTurma turbine test rig on September 21,',1996. A
7 - French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin visits the Fauga-Mauzac facility. 1 2 3 4 * 6 7 \ ;1 t c r DISCLAIMER
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Board of Directors Didier Guffond, Scientist - Group Manager, Physics Department Appointed members MarieClaire Merienne, Scientist, Michel Scheller, Chairman Aerodynamics Department Pierre Deguest, Deputy Director, Cooperation Philippe Pujo, Senior Administration Clerk, and Industrial Affairs Directorate Toulouse Research Centre Jean-Philippe Duranthon, Director of Civil Aeronautical Programs, General Directorate Government commissioner of Civil Aviation Joseph Mailloux Daniel Estournet, Director of Research and Fundamental Studies, DGA CONTENTS Government auditor Laurent Galzy, Deputy Director of the Budget Alain Nourissier Directorate, Ministry of Budget Yves Gleizes, Director of Aeronautical Secretary 2 Programs, DGA Robert Latournerie, Director of Economic and Alain Jolivet, Director of Innovation, Message from Financial Affairs, ONERA Technology and regional Action, Ministry the Chairman of National Education, Higher Education High Scientific 4 and Research Committee* Missions Jean-Pierre Rabault, Director of Weapon Systems and Strategic Planning, 6 Rene Pellat, Chairman of the High Scientific Vice President, DGA Organization Committee, corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences 8 Aerospace industry leaders ClaudeWeisbuch, Scientific Director, Research Financial and Operating Pierre Alesi, Director of the Commercial and Technology Directorate, DGA Highlights Engine Division, Snecma Gerard Tobelem, Head of the Scientific Jacques Buzenel, Deputy Managing Director, 10 and Technical Mission at the Ministry Thomson-CSF of National Education, Higher Education Sites and workforce Jean-Jacques Gagnepain, Director of the and Research 12 Engineering Sciences Department, CNES JearvPierre Giblin, Director of Research Research Jean-Louis Fache, Corporate Executive Vice and Scientific and Technical Affairs, Ministry President, Aerospatiale 18 of Public Works, Housing, Transportation Michel Herchin, Vice President, Industrial and Tourism Facilities and Social Affairs, Dassault Aviation Jacques Balazard, Scientific and Technical 20 Jean-Jacques Sussel, Special Security Advisor Advisor to the Chairman of Aerospatiale International Relations to the President of CNES Jean Caiman, Honorary Director at Snecma, 22 Member of the National Academy Representing the personnel of Air and Space HumanResources Jean-Paul Drevet, Scientist - Group Manager, Sebastien Candel, Energetics Professor at the
Large Test Facilities Department Ecole Cenlrale in Paris Denis Dutoya, Scientist - Senior Scientist, Bernard Picinbono, Corresponding Member Energetics Department of the Academy of Sciences Francois Falempin, Scientist - Subdivision Jean Salenpon, Corresponding Member of the Manager, Systems Department Academy of Sciences Eric Georges, Scientist - Group Manager, Jacques VincentCarrefour, France Telecom: Systems Department General Control
* Created by government decree of October 19, 1995, published in the Journal Official (Government Register) of November 9, 1995
l Message from the Chairman
in Aeronautics (AEREA), formed in
October 1994 with six of our
prestigious counterparts, prefigures
the creation of a European Make no mistake, Onera is in serious In addition to the lack of new blood, aerospace research organization. trouble. we are also feeling the negative Onera will obviously take a central
impact of an organization that has role in any restructuring of European
Our organization, which carries out gradually become too bureaucratic aerospace research, because of extremely advanced research, has and centralized - two factors which experience built up through more hired no new researchers in more undercut our teams' motivation. than 50 years as a partner in major than five years. And when an national programs, and because of enterprise that depends on But Onera still boasts certain unique our wide array of competencies. brainpower no longer lays the assets. Our research centers foundations for its future, it runs welcome half of all aerospace It is therefore high time that Onera a grave risk. doctoral candidates in France. deploy the resources needed to take
And not only does Onera offer a action. In other words, we have to Furthermore, certain critics are fundamental understanding of many emerge from our cocoon, not only to starting to express concern about the scientific fields, but we also have the spotlight our advantages, but also to quality of our work. Others say that cross-disciplinary capabilities needed look our weaknesses squarely in the we are casting our eye on missions to apply this knowledge, making us face. that have traditionally been assigned an essential partner for industry. to industry, thereby in a sense Our long-standing leadership in For all of us, 1996 will be betraying our historic role. materials research and computation remembered as the turning point, But our fundamental mission has not codes, for example, is unrivaled. when Onera decided to take its fate changed, and I cannot say this Likewise, we offer unmatched skills in in its hands and lead the way. strongly enough. disciplines that call for a global This is reflected in a certain number approach, such as aerodynamics, of initiatives that I conducted
These symptoms nonetheless clearly energetics, missiles and space throughout the year. In France, first of reveal an internal destabilization at surveillance. all, I personally approached the
Onera. Board of Directors of Gifas, the For many observers, the Association French aerospace industry of European Research Establishments association, to inform them that The Airbus family of jetliners was forged in Onera’s wind tunnels. Left to right, Gerard Dorey, General Technical Director; Michel Scheller, Chairman and CEO; Michel Belva, Corporate Secretary; Georges Duvant, General Scientific Director.
to the Chairman, which should help We also paved the way for one of
trigger a change in perspective. the largest internal undertakings in our history: a five-year business plan,
Founded in 1946, Onera celebrated covering the period 1997-2002.
its 50th anniversary in 1996. To Anchored in the concept of greater mark this occasion, we decided to personal responsibility that now
Onera intended to get involved at all express our position as global motivates everybody at Onera, this levels. This encompasses both specialist by organizing two plan has three prime goals: achieve upstream actions, by contributing to international conferences for scientific excellence, keep pace with the development of long-range aeronautical experts from around the and drive new developments in our research goals, in a 15 to 20 year world. But we also reached out to field; and provide a dynamic spur to timeframe; and also more the public, through a special aerospace research. downstream actions, by promoting a exposition at the La Villette Science closer partnership with industry. and Industry Museum in Paris: "Les This business plan is our battle plan.
Ingenieurs du Ciel". By setting it into action, our unique
From an international perspective, I array of scientific assets will more traveled to the United States, South Appropriately enough, our 50th than ever be used to energize a America and Southeast Asia. I hope anniversary year also saw the proactive research program, that these trips will mark the first opening of a clear window into the returning Onera to its rightful place steps towards international future, with construction starting on in the research community. I have recognition of Onera - recognition the Turma test stand at the Modane- every confidence that the men and that is essential if our organization is Avrieux aerothermodynamics test women of Onera will do their utmost to establish its rightful place in the center in Savoy (southeast France). to achieve this worthy ambition. world of aerospace research. Co-financed by the European Union, local government and Onera, this
Internally, we have created both a large-scale project clearly reflects a
Communications Division, and a joint commitment to creating a Quality and Organization Division. Europe-wide aerospace research Michel Scheller Both of these new units report directly capability, with Onera at its hub. Chairman and CEO
3 Mission Statement
• Design, develop and implement
the resources needed to carry out
research and testing activities for the benefit of manufacturers. • Publish the results of this
research, and promote its use by This past year, the French Traditional missions the aerospace industry. defense minister confirmed within a broader field • Foster the application of these the country's need for "a of action results in non-aerospace sectors. powerful, dynamic research • Take a proactive role in the organization that would Onera is the French aerospace training of scientists and engineers. drive forward scientific and research agency, with both technological progress.... industrial and commercial With aerospace systems becoming Onera will rise to the capabilities. It is a financially increasingly sophisticated, these challenge of our fast independent organization, missions now cover a much changing times by using its reporting to the French Minister of broader cross-section of disciplines. advanced research Defense. capabilities to help the Onera's core activities continue to aerospace industry, both in This past year was marked by two be the basic building blocks of France and throughout major developments. Onera aerospace: aerodynamics, Europe,develop the celebrated its 50th anniversary in energetics, structures, materials and innovative, competitive 1996, and also launched a flight mechanics. But a number of products needed to business plan calling on the new technology areas must now be guarantee market success." dedicated commitment of all added to deal with increasingly personnel. Both of these events cross-disciplinary paradigms and
reflect Onera's primary missions: the advent of "smart" systems, an • Support the government entities imperative in the race for
responsible for carrying out civil competitiveness. These new and military aerospace policy. disciplines include optics - an area • Conduct and guide aerospace in which Onera has one of the
research. world's top laboratories - • Pave the way for the future, by optronics, electromagnetism, solid
developing the required scientific state physics, automation and
and technical skills, developing automated information processing.
A robotic attitude new concepts, identifying promising The results of this cross-fertilization control system on a wind-tunnel model, fields and initiating research are increasingly applied outside the one example of the programs. traditional aerospace sector. high-level of doctoral training at Onera. The Vigilant drone, part industry, by participating in of a technology transfer to Techno Sud Industries. equipment development programs, making available our powerful test
capabilities, and studying preliminary projects.
Onera maintains close ties with
Computer model aviation and space companies at of a miniature quartz accelerometer, one both the management level, through example of applied its Board of Directors and Scientific research transferred to industry for lower and Technical Committee, and at operating costs. an operational level, through our different facilities and engineering
teams.
Optical engineers at the Palaiseau Laerte* laboratory developed Reaching out to small sophisticated technologies businesses commercialized by Sopra. In 1996 we launched the Small Business Initiative to satisfy three strategic objectives: listen to the specific needs of small and
medium-size companies, team up to develop innovative niche products From, laboratory to by capitalizing on existing skills, market and more fully integrate the various networks that facilitate technology
Onera builds bridges between the transfer to industry.
world of science and the business
Preparation of a test installation and industrial communities. This initiative has now started to for a model of the future Our activities span both basic bear fruit. Firm partnerships have supersonic transport. research, which lays the been set up on three levels: foundations for long-term projects, national, for enterprises in direct and applied research. contact with Onera; with trade associations such as the Comite
Combining scientific and technical Richelieu, formed by 200 small LAborotoire des Ecoulements Reactifs et de leurs Techniques d'Etudes expertise, Onera transfers its high-tech businesses; and a third knowledge to the aerospace keyed to European partnerships.
5 Organization
Government Government auditor commissioner Board of Directors J. Mailloux A. Nourissier
I [ ] i...... i—...... t i Senior Advisors Communications International Staff Manager C. Capelier Director Affairs Director Ph. Bohn A. Girard N. Landre J. Cheret
[ Special Representative, General Secretary Opera! Occupational Safety M. Belvd Inspector D. Bahurel
T
Administrative Departments and Services Systems Materials Personnel ond Logistics J. Fave P. Costa D. Bertrand
Economic and Financial Affairs, Contracts and Patents R. Latournerie
Purchasing Ph. Boissy Large Test Legal Services Energetics Facilities J. Pezet P. Kuentzmann X. Bouis Scientific and Technical Information and Publications J.-Ph. Chateau
Plant construction and improvement, and maintenance B. Foisy Investments:
• ETW (European Transonic Wind CERT IMFL Tunnel in Cologne) = 31 percent Toulouse Lille Fluid • FIST SA (France Innovation Research Mechanics Scienlifique et Transfer!) = 6.6 percent Center Institute Accounting F. Jouaillec F. Dupriez High Scientific Scientific and Committee Technical Committee
Chairman T 1 and Chief Executive c Officer M. Scheller General Technical General Scientific Director Director G. Dorey G. Duvaut
t
Departments Functional Departments Coordination Groups GIA: Artificial Intelligence F. -R. Valette GSO: Opfronic Systems B. Moreau GMV: Flight Mechanics J.-P. Marec GSM: Numerical Electromagnetics Y. Morchoisne Aeronautical Systems GMI: Intelligent Materials Aerodynamics Physics D. Balageas Applications and Space B. Monnerie D. Lepine J.-P. Marec Ph. Cazin Coordinators Aeronautical Equipment Y. Aurencne Radar Stealth and Anechoics G. Bobillot ONERACEA/DAM Ph. Cazin Advanced Hypersonic Propulsion F. Folempin Structural Strength R. Labourdette Programs Turbulence Computer O. Leuchter Science Structures Diversification and Infrastructure Space J.-P. Peltier R. Labourdette D. Bahurel C. Jamy A.-M. Mainguy Turbomachines G. Meauze Future Supersonic Transport Aircraft Joint CNRS-ONERA Units: C. Michaut Aerodynamics LEM: Microstructures Research B. Monnerie Laboratory Numerical Methods P. Veyssiere (CNRS) Y. Morchoisne Military Systems L-PRIAM: Reactive Plasma/Materials Ph. Pannetier Interaction Laboratory Missiles Central Production Qualify J. Jolly (CNRS) B. Petit Department and Organization Helicopters J.-J. Philippe P. Jobard F. Quenard Composite Materials as of April 7, 1997 J.-F. Stohr Launchers J.-C. Traineau
7 Operating funds: FF 1,174 million Capital expenditures: FF 217 million (plus FF 40 million for ETW)
INCOME STATEMENT (FF millions)
96 25 96 25 96, 25 96 25
IOwn work capitalized, interest income, sundry income and capital gains on depreciation of investments funded by grants)
1996 INCOME ANALYSIS (FF millions)
(-) External operating charges Production 299.6 1,142.7
[+) Financial ~1 income (+) Exceptional 2.6 expenses 1.4 (=) Pretax loss on continuing H Net operations loss (27.6) (26.2) □ BUSINESS SEGMENTS 1996 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
BY TYPE BY FACILITY OF FUNDING 183 millions francs
27.5% ^7,4%
10,8%
10%
22,7% 3,9% 16.4% 17,2% □ Aircraft □ Defense/DGAC grants . IMFL □ Palaiseau □ Turbomachinery □ Regional grants □ CERT 3 Chalais LJ Helicopters □ Independent □ Le Fauga □ Chalillon □ Space □ Contracts □ Modane □ Salon □ Military systems ONERA also increased investments in its subsidiary ETW FF 25.8 million. d Strategic missiles □ Tactical missiles □ General □ Civil, excluding aeronautics
150 151 141 138 127
111
^50 CHANGES IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 35 32 n 28 31 BY FUNDING SOURCE 20 (millions of constant 1996 francs) 6 3 6 6 8 4 a = □ □ □ UO L1H □ □ □ .91 92 93 94 95 96. .91 92 93 94 95 96, .919293949596. .91 92 93 94 95 96
JS0 C^ w
CHANGES IN THE BOOK VALUE OF TANGIBLE ASSETS (millions constant 1996 francs)
□ Net bookvalue □ Purchase value
9 Sites and workforce
AS OF JANUARY I 997 2,2 17 EMPLOYEES INCLUDING 207 DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Chalais-Meudon Wind-tunnel testing; electromagnetism research
8, rue des Vertugadins 92190 MEUDON Tel: 33 (0)1 46 23 50 50 Fax: 33 (0)1 46 23 51 51 Telex: 632186 F
Toulouse Research Center Aerothermodynamics, automation, information technology, space, mechanical and energetics aspects of systems, optics, microwaves
BP 4025 - 2, avenue Edouard Belin 31055 TOULOUSE CEDEX 4 Tel: 33 (0)5 62 25 25 25 Fax: 33 (0)5 62 25 25 50 a Telex: 521596 F AS a Toulouse Fauga-Mauzac
/ Fauga-Mauzac / Z Aerodynamics and propulsion testing / / 31410 MAUZAC Tel: 33 (0)5 61 56 63 00 Fax: 33 (0)5 61 56 63 63 Telex: 530880 F Lille Fluid Mechanics Institute Fluid mechanics, flight mechanics, structures, instrumented models
5, boulevard Painleve 59045 LILLE CEDEX Tel: 33 (0)3 20 49 69 00 Fax: 33 (0)3 20 52 95 93 Telex: 160010 F 1
x Chatiiion Headquarters, operating divisions, computer center and laboratories
BP 72 - 29, avenue de la Division Leclerc 92322 CHATILLON CEDEX Tel: 33 (0)1 46 73 40 40 Fax: 33(0)1 46 73 41 41 Telex: 632186 F
Palaiseau Energetics research and testing, radar analysis, optics, optronics, materials research
Chemin de la Huniere 91761 PALAISEAU CEDEX Tel: 33 (0)1 69 93 60 60 Fax: 33 (0)1 69 93 61 61 Telex: 632186 F
Modane-Avrieux Industrial wind-tunnel tests
BP 25 - Route departementale No 215 73500 MODANE Tel: 3 (0)4 79 20 21 22 Fax: 33 (0)4 79 20 21 68 Telex: 980661 F
Salon-dc-PruveHce
ON ERA - ECOLE DE L'AlR (Air Academy) Research-Laboratory Flight mechanics, optronics, man-machine interlaces Base Aerienne 701 13661 SALON AIR CEDEX Tel: 33 (0)4 90 17 01 10 Fax: 33 (0)4 90 17 01 09
1 1 aircraft, Onera started its Mosas
program, which models and simulates the aeroelastic behavior of
aircraft. Numerous wind tunnel tests
were carried out on both Airbus and ATR aircraft, in particular for the new A340-600 very-long-range
Safer, higher-performance, Spanning the spectrum version. more environmentally- of civil and military friendly aircraft...This is aircraft requirements The hybrid laminar flow control the challenge facing concept (on wing and nacelle) was Onera's research teams, Flight mechanics is a pivotal wind-tunnel tested, while the who place their discipline at Onera. By combining corresponding aspiration system for considerable scientific and both theoretical and experimental an Airbus A320 tailfin was also technical talents at the work, design engineers are able to defined. service of the aerospace predict and optimize aircraft industry. Unflagging efforts handling characteristics. Two prime To improve air traffic control in the are needed in both basic areas of research are flight control of vicinity of airports, Onera is studying and applied research to combat aircraft at high angles-of- the turbulence caused by jetliner achieve these goals, and attack, and hyper-agility. Working wake vortices. Passenger safely is develop innovative with Dassault Aviation, Onera not naturally another area of constant aerospace concepts only extensively tested Rafale's concern, and Onera is studying the for tomorrow. weapon systems, but also developed mechanical behavior of a complete
a method for predicting the aero- aircraft during a crash.
servo-elastic behavior of warplanes in transonic flight. Tomorrow's supersonic transport In 1996, Onera started research on
Europe's Future Large Aircraft (FLA) Continuing work on a second-
military transport, including the first generation SST saw the development wind-tunnel tests of a powered model of aerodynamic computation codes,
of the FLA. optimization of the digital wing design and the study of laminar Feeding the booming flow control systems. Low-pollution civil aviation market combustors were also on the Aerothermodynamic study agenda, including engine tests based on direct simulation, for turbine With a view toward the future very- on an auto-ignition cooling ducts in aero engines. large-capacity "super jumbo" test stand.
l o Lean-bum premix helping them bring to market high- combustors, a joint effort of Onera and Snecma, tviU performance miniature quartz help preserve the ozone accelerometers for missiles. layer.
In the commercial aircraft field, Onera teamed up with Aerospatiale
to model an integrated modular
The Jonas vacuum chamber avionics suite, designed to reduce at Toulouse faithfully simulates the space both weight and cost. For military environment. aircraft, Onera is working with
Sextant Avionique on a single laser airspeed indicator that would provide readings of the three
airspeed components.
describing rotor behavior in hovering flight. We also helped improve the Onera is also assessing new GPS flight mechanics code used by (Global Positioning System) units for
Eurocopter France, as well as aircraft positioning and navigation,
developing a computerized method and is flight testing optronic
Crashworthiness testof a fuselage to minimize helicopter vibrations. navigation correction systems. section at the Toulouse CEAT test center. Onera carried out tests on a Dauphin Research into human factors and the
DGV 200 helicopter fuselage in the man-machine interface also
A new supersonic transport will also Ft wind tunnel up to Reynolds flight continued, with the focus as always require special materials, either numbers. Ground tests were on safety and ergonomic design. metallic or composite alloys, that performed on an NH 90 helicopter resist creep and thermal aging. to identify the low-frequency dynamic A powerful partner characteristics, while flight tests for turbomachinery Helicopters, a textbook enabled the detection of noise case of Franco-German sources in a Dauphin 6075 cabin. Onera works closely with France's cooperation two aero-engine manufacturers, A greater focus Snecma and Turbomeca, and also Onera has teamed up with German on equipment conducts research in conjunction counterpart DLR (Deutsche with France's national scientific
Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Onera signed cooperation research agency (CNRS) and Raumfahrt) to design an acoustically agreements with avionics universities. Research covers areas
optimized rotor, as well as companies Sagem, Sextant as diverse as fluid mechanics, developing a Navier-Stokes code Avionique and Sfim in 1996, energetics and materials.
13 Vehicle) and NASA's X-38 spaceplane, were an international effort, in cooperation with DLR of
Germany and under the auspices of
the European Space Agency.
Applied turbomachinery research provided the numerical simulation Earth and space has led to more accurate numerical tools, developed in the early 1990s observation simulation, in particular through the as part of our aero-acoustic research use of sophisticated turbulence program, to analyze these results. Onera offers comprehensive models for both aerodynamic and Onera also conducted tests on a expertise in space observation. Sites
aerothermodynamic simulations. The 1/60 scale model and carried out for the Graves system demonstrator Peul model for turbulent combustion numerical simulations to understand were chosen in 1996, while
was also adapted to help predict the complex phenomena involved in specifications were drawn up for the
soot formation, and initial results are the aerodynamic excitation of the Tigre research telescope used to test
very encouraging. Vulcain cryogenic core engine. We and improve the adaptive optics were able to propose corrective techniques already deployed in
Lastly, Onera has signed a solutions, which were assessed astronomy.
collaboration agreement with during the first quarter of 1997. Claude Bernard University and the Onera continues to improve the Ecole Centrale engineering school, French space agency CNES detectors and systems used in optical
both in Lyon, to construct a new coordinated a joint research observation satellites, covering both turbomachinery test stand, called program, involving Onera, CNRS visible and infrared wavelengths. At
Turma. and the space industry, which made the same time, the image quality solid progress in understanding the provided by the Spot and Helios Development support pressure fluctuations inside remote sensing satellites is for Ariane and reentry Ariane 5's solid rocket motors. continuously fine-tuned for higher vehicles The results of this investigation will overall performance. provide invaluable research
For the first launch of Europe's new guidelines over the next three years. The SETHI synthetic aperture radar Ariane 5 launch vehicle, Onera (SAR), produced by Onera under performed the acoustic Work on the cryogenic propulsion contract to CNES, delivered its first
measurements at liftoff. We also system for the upgraded Ariane 5 image in 1996. Evolution launcher started in 1996. The initial wind-tunnel and High-precision accelerometry is
ARD capsule in the F4 aerothermodynamic tests on various another area of excellence at Onera. hypersonic wind tunnel at Fauga-Mauzac. reentry vehicles, in particular The Astre accelerometer, for
Europe's CTV (Crew Transfer example, was deployed during a The Isar (inverse image characteristics (bands, syntheticaperture radar) technique used polarization) for both air and space for radar reconnaissance applications. of objects in low Earth orbit.
Onera's FAME computer-aided
electromagnetic modeling project will combine computation code
Testing the mockup of the development efforts with unique Franco-German Sprint twin-mode seeker. multi-application software.
Next-generation tactical missiles on target
After pioneering the technologies needed for European cruise missiles, such as the Apache, Onera
Onera is now addressing the over- continued to focus on developing
the-horizon (OTH) detection of new concepts for higher targets. Our industrial partner, performance, including navigation
UnsteadyEuler calculation using the Thomson-CSF, came into this project correction, target image processing, Cblmdre method, based on Onera's very early in the process. Together, low-detectability and survivability. FLU3M code. we have developed the Nostradamus ground radar, based Onera's Modane wind tunnel
on an Onera concept, which first carried out full-scale tests of optical
joint ESA-NASA mission aboard the operated in long-range detection signatures for a new type of missile, Space Shuttle Columbia, in order to mode in 1996. Construction of the and also flight tested new twin-mode
measure the vibratory environment in Graves radar, designed to track seekers on both fixed and rotary orbit. Onera is also teaming up with space objects and vehicles, started wing aircraft to identify the optimum
CNES to build and finance the in 1997. tradeoff between performance and
accelerometer for Germany's Champ resistance to countermeasures. geophysics satellite. Onera is extending the application of its expertise in active antennas In the field of antimissile air defense, A new look in ground from onboard nose-mounted radars Onera is working with Britain's and airborne radars (Amsar project, with Germany and Defence Evaluation and Research the UK), to the design of imaging Agency (DERA) on modeling the After developing the RIAS radar as radars. For example, the Ramses chemical fallout following the a conventional air defense solution, station will enable comparing all interception of a ballistic missile.
15 understanding and modeling the
mixing-combustion process.
Materials, the key to tomorrow's programs
Strategic missiles: Hypersonic propulsion Onera's materials studies concen leading-edge expertise trate on light alloys, high- for national defense Mastering the many complex temperature superalloys and technologies that are required for a multifunction organic, metallic and
Onera is heavily involved in the feasible hypersonic vehicle is a ceramic matrix composites. The high
design of the two arms of France's daunting challenge. In France, the points in this area last year nuclear deterrent force. For DGA, CNES and the Ministry of included: submarine-launched missiles, it is Education and Research have set • The development of the 2650 taking part in the development of the up a large-scale research program grade aluminum alloy, offering a
new M51 missile, by performing into hypersonic propulsion, dubbed good tradeoff between damage expert analysis for the government, Prepha. This program is organized tolerance and creep strength, and
and providing assistance to around the concept of a scramjet, high-performance high-content
industrial architect Aerospatiale. or supersonic combustion ramjet. aluminum alloys reinforced with
Onera's efforts in the aircraft- Working with Aerospatiale, carbon fibers for structural parts. delivered missile segment focus on Dassault Aviation, SEP and • Development of a family of the Vesta program to define a Snecma, Onera is a pivotal organic molecules for electro-optical
successor to the ASMP missile and a member of this team, and has applications. future supersonic antiship missile. contributed strongly to the • Discovery of boron nitride
Studies in these two areas primarily development of various scramjet nanotubes.
concern aerodynamics, propulsion components. In 1996, for example,
(ramjets in particular), guidance and it tested the injection strut Investigations of composite flight control, signatures and defense developed by SEP, and prepared structures for combat aircraft also
penetration. an experimental combustion continued, especially in terms of chamber, to study the transition damage forecasts and non between subsonic and supersonic destructive testing via infrared
combustion at airspeeds from Mach thermography. 4 to Mach 7.5. At the same time,
Onera continues to develop its Onera's research into adaptive aerodynamic and aerothermo- structures focused on three areas:
A test rig for the study dynamic numerical simulation health monitoring, vibrations and of supersonic combustion. systems, with a particular focus on shape adaptation for flow control. Crystallization Diversify and structures in a Ru-Ti-Al alloy. commercialize
Onera's expertise in adaptive
optics led to a collaborative effort
with the French atomic energy
commission (CEA) on the Silva Electiv®, a conducting laser-based uranium enrichment glass-fiberfabric invented by Onera. project.
A consortium of IFP, Renault, Imphy,
Gervais and Arvin-Exhaust, with the support of the French Ministry of
Research, is continuing to develop
fibrous structure catalytic converters, Onera continued work on numerical based on an Onera patent. analysis, parallel algorithms, and
adapting codes to massively parallel Onera continued to diversify in computers, in conjunction with the 1996, as shown by the following
The diversification policy has CEA, Inria, University of Paris LAN, examples: generated contracts such as this University of Colorado, Matra, measurement of wind impact on the Dassault Aviation, Snecma and • Development with Isis and Steria, inclination of a cable car. Aerospatiale. as an extension of the European
Drive projects, of the Opera
Techniques developed within the collective guidance and information scope of three European projects, system. Enhanced numerical Adonnis, Pagein and Edid, were • ESI/Semcap market the CRIPTE simulation applied in 1996 to demonstrate the electromagnetic compatibility testing use of distributed collective software. There is a widespread awareness processing methods. These concepts • Cepra 19 wind tunnel continues throughout Onera of the strategic were also used in the technical tests of France's TGV high-speed
important of large-scale simulation specifications for the Cesame Center trains for SNCF and GEC Alsthom, software. Major choices were made (a project for a computation platform as well as Deufrako within the for the future in 1996, with a to be shared by manufacturers), and scope of a French-German project.
commitment to sustaining skills and are beginning to appear in • Collaboration with Mipsys to
expertise at the very high level preliminary studies at Airbus and market the Sahara-Prob software,
required in this area. Aerospatiale. a multiagent systems simulator.
17 completed, for service entry in
early 1997. A new measurement room dedicated to this test rig was
also built during the year. A
Faraday cage-shielded anechoic chamber was installed to keep All research activities at At Chatillon, Onera has installed a pace with the sustained level of Onera draw on laboratory Cray C90 computer with four radar and electromagnetism equipment, computers, processors and two G-bytes of research. wind tunnels and other memory to keep pace with facilities which are among increasingly demanding vectorial In September, at Modane-Avrieux, the best in Europe.Onera computation requirements. Also in the French Minister of Defense laid is also expanding the pipeline is the possible the cornerstone for the Turma test cooperation with its installation in 1998 of a stand, which will be used to study partners, within the scope supercomputer, operating at several warm flows in turbomachines, and of AEREA, to share the dozen gigaflops, to meet emerging also inaugurated the metrology heavy investments required needs for CFD power in fluid laboratory. The European Union, for industrial wind tunnels mechanics, energetics, structures local governments and Onera are and other major facilities. and electromagnetism. investing more than 70 million francs to expand the scope of The materials department at activities at Modane. Building on Palaiseau boasts a recently- the new Turma rig, they aim to
commissioned 150 kW plasma establish Modane as a center of torch furnace, the only one of its scientific excellence, through
kind in France. This furnace is used partnerships with the Ecole Centrale for the pre-production development in Lyon engineering school of new intermetallic alloy ingots, and French or even European
allowing engine manufacturers to research teams. decide whether these materials are
ready for service. Engineers at Fauga-Mauzac implemented a new technique in Capital investments at Chalais- the F4 high-enthalpy wind tunnel to
Meudon focused on both measure the nozzle output speed. A
turbomachinery and powerful electron gun creates a
electromagnetism. Installation of the column of plasma which is then Plasma fusion furnace Vega 2 test stand, which supports carried along by the exhaust flow. for production ofTi-Al ingots. research into cold flows on single- Used in conjunction with other
stage turbines, was nearly measurement techniques in this The Martinot-Lagarde aeronautical engineering school building, inaugurated in November 1996 and the Midi-Pyrenees region, is a at 1MFL. mobile robot equipped with a manipulator arm, used to study the
actual operating conditions for
autonomous vehicles in unfriendly
environments, including pilotless
The Palace robot, reconnaissance aircraft, submarine with manipulator arm, is a joint project robotics and terrestrial robotics for of Stipaero and Onera's mine clearance. ToulouseResearch Center.
The optics department will use a bi directional reflectance measurement
bench to measure the optical The electron gun at the F4 properties of surfaces or materials wind tunnel at Fauga- Mauzac, used to measure in order to calibrate space-based nozzle exhaust speeds. optical imaging instruments.
The Thales hydrodynamic tunnel
has been equipped with a conveyor belt to analyze the rebound of the wake vortices
generated by aircraft during
landings.
During 1996, the new Martinot- Lagarde building was also handed
wind tunnel, this new method helps over to the fluid mechanics teams in
provide a more complete Lille. Completion of the fan and
Pressure field measured by the S2 understanding of airflows. The control system refurbishment wind tunnel in Modane, using application of this technique for boosted the maximum performance piezo-sensitive coatings. speed measurements in the 5 km/s of the vertical wind tunnel from
range is unique in Europe. 40 to 55 meters per second.
New equipment has also been By implementing improvements
installed at the Toulouse Research across the board, Onera remains at
Center. The "Palace" platform, for the cutting edge of aerospace example, co-funded by the Supaero technology.
19 International Relations 1
With German counterpart DLR, for example, Onera negotiated an agreement setting out the principals
of staff exchanges. The Franco-
German company Eurocopter has also driven significant progress in furthering our understanding of
helicopter rotor aeroacoustics. Uniting European operating through organizations industry, a long-haul such as AEREA (Association of In early 1997, the scientific reviews effort European Research Establishments of Onera and DLR, La Recherche in Aeronautics) and GARTEUR Aerospatiale and Zeitschrift fur
Onera continued to operate within (Group for Aeronautical Research Flugwissenschaften, respectively, an increasingly European context, and Technology in Europe). These were merged, giving birth to as aerospace and defense actions have produced a number Aerospace Science and companies from European Union of concrete results, including the Technology. countries pursued the formation definition and execution of joint of interconnected partnerships and research programs; the joint Onera is also setting up alliances. For example, Onera management of large test collaborative efforts with the British made both manufacturers and and computation facilities; and DERA in core disciplines such as research partners an integral part greater mobility of both scientists fluid mechanics, energetics and of the celebrations marking and engineers among the various structures, as well as for military our 50th anniversary. research centers in Europe. applications (simulation of air defense systems, etc.). Other
At Onera, we have long worked to initiatives are being developed establish a true European Concrete bilateral between specific sites in the two aerospace research community, by initiatives countries, or through the Anglo- French Defence Research Group
In addition to its leading role within (AFDRG). multilateral European organizations, Onera has also International outlook nurtured a number of bilateral
initiatives, which are open Onera developed or strengthened
to participation by all AEREA its collaboration with partners
An Indonesian partners. outside of Europe in 1996. delegation led by Dr. Ing. Ilahm Habibie, visiting Fauga-Alauzac in November 1996. A Japanese delegation With Russia - and more specifically visits Cbatillon. with the TsAGI agency - Onera
pursued the various bilateral
projects started in previous years, concerning fundamental fluid
mechanics, piezo-sensitive coatings,
etc. Onera also took a role in three
Test of an Orbiter mocktip projects supported by the in the F4 wind tunnel at Fauga-Mauzac, International Science and within the scope Technology Center (ISTC). Many of ESA's Manned Space Transportation Program. other projects in a wide range
of areas came to fruition, with the
University of Saint Petersburg and
the Russian Academy of Sciences,
A DLR delegation for example. visits Palaiseau.
In China, Onera reestablished
relations with the China
Aerodynamic Research Center (CARDC) and Chinese Aeronautical Establishment (CAE), and especially with one of the country's most
innovative research institutes, BIAM.
Relations with NASA stepped up, In Indonesia, Onera's contribution
for example, with the signing of to current IPTN projects took shape.
two technical agreements concerning materials and structures. Work continued in Japan
Several other projects are also on cooperative programs with NAL
Test of the Elfin 2 hybrid laminarflow being examined. Once again, concerning aerodynamic control nacelle in the SI wind tunnel Onera welcomed a US Air Force at Modane-Avriettx: one example computation methods and of a successful EU-funded officer for a long internship, and hypersonic testing. Onera's wind international program. also took an active role in the tunnels also performed tests
cooperation agreement with the US for the Japanese space program,
Army concerning helicopter under contract to manufacturers aeromechanics. from this country.
21 4
1996 was a pivotalyear for The business plan reaffirms Onera's Enhancing Onera, with staff mobilized core missions in a fast-changing responsibility across the board by a environment, our commitment to be and efficiency comprehensive business the preferred partner of French plan.This large-scale industry, and our three main The business plan is designed to initiative, drawing on the objectives: scientific excellence, foster greater commitment to a work of many specific task opening to the business community, number of areas identified as forces, will lead to a new, and revitalized research. critical for growth: refocusing more transparent activities, openness to scientific organization of our applied partnerships, a more commercial research activities in 1997. Eleven working approach and modernized groups and 200 management methods. dedicated staff Overseeing this change is a
Working groups were set up to streamlined organization, based on
analyze "horizontal" issues such as simplified, distributed procedures strategy, management, marketing, and 17 distinct departments. Each
human resources management, of these departments is responsible large test facilities policy, and cross- for its own results, with full decision
disciplinary systems and projects. making and operational authority, and directed by managers with
From a scientific standpoint, groups broad independence.
analyzed fluid mechanics,
energetics, materials, structures, Project-oriented management, physics and information technology. leveraging the synergies between
Supported by the DGA arms- complementary disciplines, will procurement agency, this business foster greater communications
plan was submitted to the French among people, along with Optical engineers Ministry of Defense in December. enhanced teamwork and mobility. meeting at Palaiseau. practical aspects of staff exchange
programs. The first exchanges will kick off with the DLR in 1997,
followed by other partners.
As the bridge between universities and industry, Onera is more than
ever focusing on its mission
of training, informing and
Sustained funding continued for in- spreading knowledge.
Philippe Cazln leads a class at ESTA service training, with investments of In 1996, in addition to more for tomorrow's engineers. 20 million francs and 2,100 than 316 staff teaching at science training sessions in 1996 - an and engineering schools, Onera effort that will be boosted in 1997 welcomed 198 doctoral
as the business plan comes on line. candidates, five post-docs,
369 engineering student interns, Stimulating high-level 77 scientists fulfilling their service research, growing and Opening out and obligations and 30 apprentices. recognizing scientific recruiting and managerial competencies With the economic context still More flexible unfavorable, the workforce working hours Within a business organization, continued to decline, dropping by
it is important to recognize 2.4% in 1996 to a total of 2,232, In June 1996, Onera signed an everybody's scientific, technical including doctoral candidates. agreement with most of its unions
and management skills. This is the Despite this trend, Onera is concerning part-time work, which aim of the classification system committed to recruiting researchers, has already drawn interest from
implemented by Onera to define welcoming doctoral candidates, nearly 50 persons.
skills paths and levels. New tools and expanding relations with Applicable for two years, this will be set up in 1997, including laboratories outside of France. agreement will establish a part-time benchmarking, a revamped incentive scheme, and help Onera
appraisal system, modified Members of AEREA have drawn up adaptto the current business
remuneration, etc. an agreement concerning the difficulties in the aerospace sector.
23 O N ERA
A robotic attitude control system on a wind-tunnel model, one example of the high- level of doctoral training at Onera.
Aerothemiodynamic study based on direct simulation, for turbine cooling ducts in aero engines.
Crystallization structures in a Ru-Ti-Al alloy.
The Airbus family of jetliners was forged in Onera’s wind tunnels.
Layout and Design: Communication Directorate and Scientific and Technical Information and Publications Department Photos: Pierre Chiquelin, Philippe Gontier, Frederique Watbled, ONERA photo library.