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
Swinburne-CSIRO National Industry 4.0 TestlabThe 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
ANSTO - The Australian SynchrotronThe 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
Victorian Hydrogen HubIn 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
Our people
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
AIR PassExperience 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 latest news
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Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturing
- Aviation
- Sustainability
- Engineering
Australian-made sustainable powders to drive the future of advanced manufacturingA high-tech spinout from Swinburne University of Technology will deliver Australian-made High Entropy Material (HEM) powders, developed from recycled industrial feedstocks, to advanced manufacturing and 3D printing facilities.
Thursday 27 March 2025 -
Swinburne student navigates new heights with International Aviation Womens Association annual scholarship
- Aviation
Swinburne student navigates new heights with International Aviation Womens Association annual scholarshipWhen Beatrice Lorenzo first began studying aviation at Swinburne University of Technology, she found herself massively outnumbered by her male classmates. But now she’s facing the industry’s gender stereotypes head-on and packing her bags to fly to Dublin, Ireland, to attend the International Aviation Womens Association Annual Conference in November.
Friday 18 October 2024 -
International project makes hydrogen storage lighter for future transport
- Sustainability
International project makes hydrogen storage lighter for future transportSwinburne has collaborated with the University of Stuttgart to create an innovative new hydrogen storage technology could lead to safer, lighter and faster zero emissions transport in the future.
Tuesday 15 October 2024 -
Swinburne partners with Latrobe City Council to propel Victoria’s Advanced Air Mobility precinct
- Technology
- Aviation
- Sustainability
Swinburne partners with Latrobe City Council to propel Victoria’s Advanced Air Mobility precinctSwinburne has become the first Foundation Member of the newly established Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct.
Friday 03 May 2024 -
How AI can fast track the developments our aviation sector desperately needs
- Aviation
How AI can fast track the developments our aviation sector desperately needsWith the help of artificial intelligence, new aircraft designs that meet modern demands could be a reality as soon as 2025 and help alleviate concerns like safety.Thursday 18 January 2024
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.