ONERA is a French aerospace research center.
It is a public establishment with industrial and commercial operations, and carries out application-oriented research to support enhanced innovation and competitiveness in the aerospace and defense sectors. ONERA is an acronym for Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales.
Since January 2007 Onera was dubbed “The French Aerospace Lab” to enhance its international visibility, and also adopted a brand baseline, “Return on Innovation”.
Onera carries out a wide range of research for space agencies, as well as for the French defense procurement agency, DGA. Onera also independently conducts its own long-term research to anticipate future technology needs. It focuses on scientific research, for example in aerodynamics for concrete applications on aircraft, the design of launchers and new defense technologies, such as drones (unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)).
Onera also uses its research and innovation capabilities to support both French and European industry. Onera’s customer-partners include EADS (Airbus, Eurocopter), Safran (Snecma, Turbomeca, Sagem), Dassault Aviation, Thalesand other major industry players. Innovative small businesses are also encouraged to call on the expertise of Onera’s scientists and engineers, and to take advantage of technology transfer opportunities.
Onera has contributed to a number of landmark aerospace and defense programs in recent decades, including Airbus, Ariane, Rafale, Falcon, Mirage and Concorde.