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 about AIR Hub, one of the largest and most active aerospace research collaborations in Australia. Through our five key research areas, we are developing the next generation of aerostructures for use in civil aviation, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, uncrewed aerial systems, advanced air mobility, and space.
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.
Hydrogen to the Skies
The Hydrogen to the Skies project is creating the next generation of sustainable aviation now. Thanks to Australian Government funding, we’re working with Textron Systems Australia to create a real-world prototype of a hydrogen-propelled drone.
Want to learn more about the AIR Hub?
Want to know more about the work being completed by the AIR Hub? View our collection of past webinars and other digital media.
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.
Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub
Our people
Our latest news
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- Technology
- Aviation
Swinburne’s AIR Hub achieves hydrogen flight
Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) has successfully completed the first flight of an Australian-developed hydrogen fuel cell electric powered VTOL drone.
Tuesday 24 October 2023 -
- Aviation
AIR Pass accelerating success for aerospace innovation
Swinburne University’s AIR Pass program has accelerated Dovetail’s development and progressed its goal of accelerating decarbonisation in the aviation sector.
Wednesday 16 August 2023 -
- Technology
- Business
AIR Hub opens final AIR Pass funding to drive Australia’s aerospace ecosystem
Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) is thrilled to announce the opening of its final round of the AIR Pass program. Designed to fuel the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in the Australian aerospace ecosystem, this initiative will provide eligible projects with up to $50,000 in funding to support their development.
Wednesday 14 June 2023 -
- University
- Aviation
New AIR Hub partnership driving innovation and industry engagement
Swinburne’s Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub has partnered with the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (ASMI’s) APR.Intern program to increase uptake in aerospace PhD internship projects by mid 2024.
Thursday 27 April 2023 -
- Technology
- Aviation
- Engineering
Swinburne on show at Avalon
Swinburne’s capabilities in astrophysics, aerospace, aviation, engineering, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence were on display at the 2023 Avalon International Airshow.
Monday 06 March 2023
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.