Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub
The Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub is a research and industry collaboration. We are developing the next generation of aerostructures for use in civil aviation, eVTOLs, UAS, AAM and space.
We are embracing digitalisation and Industry 4.0 to develop intelligent manufacturing processes using advanced composite materials, to design and produce innovative aerostructures.
Key capabilities
The AIR Hub’s mission is to develop next generation aerostructures for advanced air mobility in Victoria and Australia through our expertise in:
Digitalisation
Intelligent manufacturing processes
Advanced composite materials
Advanced Air Operations and Human Factors
Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub
Learn more about the AIR Hub and how we are bringing together industry and research to drive innovation in aerostructures.
Our projects
The AIRHub is driving innovation in aerostructures, focusing on civil, cargo and aeromedical airliners, urban electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air vehicles, and advanced composite materials for the space and satellite industries. This includes:
- Civil aircraft: focusing on integrated structures to reduce part count and assembly & increase functionality for flight control surfaces and space structures.
- Advanced Air Mobility including eVTOL: focusing on novel structures that are safe and efficient for delivery drones to passenger-carrying air taxis.
- Technology Activation: commercialising new technologies through a focused aerospace accelerator & incubator platform.
- Hydrogen Fuels: working closely with the Victorian Hydrogen Hub to research and develop capacity for hydrogen storage on aircraft and eVTOL vehicles.
State-of-the-art facilities
We have access to state-of-the-art facilities to develop and test intelligent manufacturing processes and advanced composite materials in the design and development of innovative aerostructures. This includes:
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Swinburne-CSIRO National Industry 4.0 Testlab
The Swinburne-CSIRO National Industry 4.0 Testlab conducts industrial scale multilayer 3D printing for near net composite manufacturing and solutions for automotive and aerospace parts, processes and systems.
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ANSTO - The Australian Synchrotron
The only one of its kind in Australia, this major research facility uses powerful beams of light to examine the molecular and atomic details of a wide range of materials.
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Victorian Hydrogen Hub
In partnership with CSIRO and ARENA 2036, Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub brings together the community to support sustainable manufacturing practices.
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With AIR Hub, we intend to work particularly on building our capability here in Australia … it gives us the chance to accelerate, do things in a very cost-effective way … and really build on the opportunities for the future of Australia and aerospace manufacturing. This [The AIR Hub] really sets us up to be in the best possible position to deliver into new aeroplane programs of the future.
Michael Edwards , General Manager, Boeing Research and Technology
Work with us
The AIRHub is a focal point for Australia’s aerospace industry in Victoria and works closely with local SMEs to support their transition and enhance their global competitiveness. If you’re interested in engaging with the AIR Hub or just want to know more, please contact airhub@swinburne.edu.au.
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AIR Pass
Experience six-month prototyping and commercialisation support for aerospace ventures with funding from AIR Hub to get to your first or next customer.
Do you want to do a PhD with us?
Are you interested in industry 4.0 and the future of aerostructures? Find out more about joining our team as a PhD student on our careers page.
Are you interested in studying for a Masters with us?
Are digitalisation, intelligent manufacturing or advanced composites your thing? Are you interested in an applied Masters degree? Find out more about joining our team on our careers page.
Our people
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Dr Adriano Di Pietro
Director, Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub -
Professor Alan Lau
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Partnership and Digital Innovation) -
Associate Professor Boris Eisenbart
Research Director, Industry 4.0 Testlab; Program Leader, Digital Design -
Paul Dealy
Program Manager, Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub
Our latest news
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- Technology
- Aviation
Swinburne launches prototyping program for aerospace startups
Swinburne’s AIR Hub launches a six-month program, AIR Pass, to support startups to design, build, test and demonstrate aerospace prototypes to their customers.
Tuesday 12 July 2022 -
- Science
- Technology
- Aviation
Swinburne’s AIR Hub to drive the future of aerospace
The Australian-first Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will bring together the best of Victoria’s aerospace research, design and manufacturing leaders to work with industry on the next generation of air mobility.
Monday 08 November 2021 -
- Business
- Aviation
We studied the world’s top airlines and hospitality firms – many are still poor at reporting risks around climate and pandemics
The rules around risk reporting are changing, but there's still a long way to go. Analysis for The Conversation by Carol A Adams and Subhash Abhayawansa, Swinburne University of Technology.
Thursday 15 July 2021 -
- Law
- Aviation
High-achieving Swinburne graduate receives Supreme Court Prize
Law and aviation management graduate, Ryan Hill, has been awarded the 2021 Supreme Court Prize. He says his experiences at Swinburne helped kickstart his career.
Monday 07 June 2021 -
- Aviation
Keeping the faith in Aviation
The Swinburne Aviation Leadership Guest Lecture Series, this year titled ‘Covid-19 - Learning How to Fly’, was a lesson in determination.
Thursday 29 October 2020
Other initiatives
Funded through the Victorian government's Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund.
Contact the AIR Hub
Are you from industry and want to get involved? Are you a member of the community and want to know more? Perhaps you are a student interested in a scholarship? Whatever your query, get in touch with us at airhub@swinburne.edu.au.