DTA - Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale

The Apulian aerospace system is mainly dedicated to the design and production of composite primary and secondary parts, from small components to the one-piece-barrel of the B787. Knowledge and expertise in composite are very strong and goes from material characterization to innovative architectural design to in/out of autoclaves and defect management through the whole value chain.

Another sub-segment is that of propulsion system with a solid propulsion system maintenance activity and an innovative public-private research laboratory focused on hybrid energy management systems. Additive manufacturing technologies are going to be applied in propulsion part manufacturing and repair.

RPAS and UAV test and demonstration is in development phase as Grottaglie (Taranto) airport is fully dedicated to experimental flights (Grottaglie Airport Test Bed). A test bed is in developing phase with the following innovation and experimentation areas: RPAS development, advanced ATM and UTM, mission planning and operation, satellite navigation and communication services, flight operation and navigation services, cyber security, mission design for service provision (to end users), aerial earth observation services.
Several space companies cover the two main sub-segments: satellite and on-board system design and manufacturing, on-board and ground data (included Earth Observation data) management systems and EO service provision.

• Support in preparation of (national and European) collaborative research proposal and projects 
• Support in designing and preparation of education initiatives and proposals 
• Research and Education Project management 
• Coordination of internationalization actions 
• Promotion of member's competence at a European level 

DTA has established a positive collaboration with the Greece SI-Cluster to exploit both research and innovation resources and assets with the objective to create a Mediterranean aerospace meta-players able to operate for the benefits of the Mediterranean region as well as of the Europe.

Furthermore, DTA has established a collaborative framework with Italian Space Agency and European Space Agency to exploit Grottaglie Airport Test Bed in the technology field of cyber security of space service for aeronautic.