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.
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.
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
Our projects
The AIR Hub 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.
AIR Hub Industry Event October 2022
See exhibits from the AIR Hub and its industrial partners, including Memko, Nova Systems, Textron Systems Australia, Swoop Aero and more.
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 -
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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- Aviation
Zero-emissions aviation the focus for first Founder In Residence
Hydrogen and battery-powered air travel is on the horizon, thanks to Swinburne’s new Founder in Residence Rachael Barritt.
Tuesday 31 January 2023 -
- Aviation
Australian-first hydrogen drone to turn the skies green
Swinburne’s AIR Hub has received $1.3 million from the Australian Government to develop Australia’s first hydrogen propelled drone.
Wednesday 09 November 2022 -
- Aviation
Aerospace partnership offers sky high opportunities
Swinburne’s AIR Hub is partnering with a leading US institution to drive local and international technology and innovation in aerospace.
Monday 31 October 2022 -
- Engineering
- Aviation
Pioneering Markforged 3D printer makes Australian debut
Swinburne’s Factory of the Future will play host to the Markforged FX20 printer to support the creation of lighter, stronger and more resilient end-use parts.
Friday 28 October 2022 -
- Sustainability
- Aviation
Global leaders use hydrogen to reduce aviation emissions
Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) and Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) are collaborating with industry leaders to create hydrogen storage tanks for aerospace.
Monday 10 October 2022
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.