
NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Specialized and customizable research aircraft in Ottawa
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Fee-for-service access to a fleet of research aircraft, as well as research pilots, technical experts and engineers.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 140,000
Evaluation of flight performance improvements using new lightweight materials
$ 80,000
Implementation of flight mechanics study focusing on turbulence effects using specialized data collection tools
$ 104,000
Optimizing flight safety technologies with real-time data broadcast systems
$ 120,000
Development of advanced avionics systems using specialized flight instruments and test flights
$ 160,000
Exploration of new aeronautical technologies through extensive research and trial flights with state-of-the-art instruments
$ 144,000
Investigation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications in disaster response through test flights and data analysis
Eligibility
The information provided does not specify a specific grant or funding opportunity, so I cannot provide the eligibility criteria without knowing the specific grant you are referring to. Please provide more details or the name of the grant so that I can give you accurate information regarding the eligibility criteria in English.
Who is eligible?
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) offers its highly specialized aircraft fleet for research and development projects in aeronautical technologies. While specific evaluation and selection criteria are not provided, the service is geared towards industries involved in flight testing and pilot education.
Eligible expenses
The grant is designed to support research and development activities in aeronautical technologies, with a focus on enhancing avionics, pilot education, and aircraft systems. Eligible projects facilitate advanced simulation testing, human factors research, and atmospheric studies leveraging the unique capabilities of the NRC's diverse aircraft fleet.
- Research and development in digital fly-by-wire control systems and human interface issues using the Bell fleet.
- Testing and demonstration of advanced pilot-vehicle interfaces, such as smart displays and helmet-mounted displays.
- Evaluation of night vision systems and related technologies in aeronautical settings.
- Long-distance atmospheric and biospheric studies using pressurized twin-engine aircraft like the Convair 580.
- Support for alternative fuels research and microgravity experiments using the Falcon 20 aircraft.
- Prototyping advanced avionic displays and flight display technologies aboard the Harvard and T-33 aircraft.
- Development of flight mechanics and flight systems utilizing the Twin Otter's capabilities for real-time data acquisition and environmental sensing.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the NRC's aeronautical research objectives.
- Impact of the proposed technology on situational awareness, safety, and mission performance.
- Innovation and advancement in pilot-vehicle interfaces and control systems.
- Contribution to the development of new avionics and aeronautical technologies.
- Potential to meet forthcoming regulatory and environmental standards.
- Feasibility and clarity of the research and development plan.
How to apply
1
Preparing the proposal
- Consult the eligibility criteria and grant guidelines
- Write the proposal following the required format
- Gather the requested documents
2
Submitting the proposal
- Send the complete proposal within the prescribed deadlines
- Ensure that all required elements are included
- Confirm the receipt of the proposal by the NRC
3
Evaluating the proposal
- Reviews by external evaluators
- Evaluation by an internal review committee of the NRC
- Notification of the evaluation results
4
Negotiating the funding terms
- Discuss financial terms with the NRC
- Finalize funding details and schedule
- Obtain final approval from the NRC
Additional information
- The NRC's Aerospace Research Centre is a well-established flight testing facility with decades of experience and world-class expertise. - The NRC supports Canadian avionics manufacturers in developing advanced technologies for next-generation aircraft and modern helicopter cockpits. - Technologies like side-arm controllers, programmable head-down displays, speech I/O, and helmet-mounted displays are being demonstrated and perfected in the NRC's realistic airborne simulator. - The on-board installations of the aircraft are constantly improved to meet the latest technological needs of clients, keeping them at the forefront of aeronautical research. - The aircraft are supported by an experienced technical team that conducts focused and responsive airborne research and experimentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet?
Who is eligible for the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet program?
Who can I contact for more information about the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet?
Where is the NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet available?

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