Overall view of the European Collaboration in Aeronautics Research within GARTEUR

The Group for Aeronautical Research and Technology in EURope (GARTEUR) is an independent organization for research collaboration in Europe in the field of aeronautics. Established in 1973 by three nations, GARTEUR today involves seven nations with major research and test capabilities in aeronautics (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom) through a Memorandum of Understanding. GARTEUR focus is on long term R&T to assure sustained competitiveness of European Aeronautical Industry. The GARTEUR scope covers civil, dual-use or defence applications and enables the transfer of aeronautical technology between civil and military fields. GARTEUR is considered as a unique European forum of aeronautical experts from Academia, Research Establishments and Industry mainly functioning in a bottom-up approach and according to the principle of an overall balance of benefits between the member countries. These objectives of GARTEUR are accomplished by performing joint research work in fields suitable for collaboration and within research groups specifically established for this purpose. Technology gaps and facility needs are identified and effective ways are recommended to the member countries to jointly overcome such shortcomings. Finally, scientific and technical information is exchanged among the GARTEUR member countries. GARTEUR is organised at three main levels: the Council, the Groups of Responsables (GoR) and the Actions Groups. The highest level is the Council composed of representatives of each member country who constitute the national delegations. These representatives come from all relevant Ministries and Research Establishments. An Executive Committee (XC) assists the Council. This XC is composed of one member from each national delegation, and a Secretary. The second highest level is formed by the Groups of Responsables (GoR) that act as scientific management bodies. They also represent the think-tank of GARTEUR. The GoRs are composed of representatives from national research establishments, industry and academia. Currently, five GoRs manage GARTEUR research activities: Aerodynamics (AD), Aviation Security (AS), Flight Mechanics, Systems and Integration (FM), Helicopters (HC) and Structures and Materials (SM). Action Groups (AGs) form the third level of GARTEUR. AGs are the technical expert bodies that formulate the GARTEUR research programme and execute the research work. Potential research areas and subjects are identified by the Groups of Responsables and investigated for collaboration feasibility by Exploratory Groups (EGs). It is worth underlying that GARTEUR operating principals provide for participation by organisations from non-GARTEUR countries in GARTEUR technical activities, under a special procedure subject to approval by the Council. On the other hand GARTEUR has interfaces with the European aeronautical industry through Industrial Points of Contact in the Groups of Responsables and through industry participation in the Action Groups. The objectives of the overall presentation about GARTEUR at the CEAS 2015 conference are the following: Further describe the missions and principles of GARTEUR and its way to perform joint research work, Provide details of its organization and rules of operations of the various groups (Council, Executive Committee, Secretariat, Groups of Responsables, Actions Groups and Exploratory Groups), Explain the position of GARTEUR on the European aeronautical R&T scene and its interactions with other European actors like EREA (association of European Research Establishments in Aeronautics), EU and EDA programmes and initiatives, Review current working groups in the field of "Aerodynamics", "Aviation Security", "Flight Mechanics, Systems & Integration", "Helicopters" and "Structure & Materials", Give examples of recent success stories. In conclusion some indications on future GARTEUR activities and orientations will be discussed.