DLR, the state-owned German Aerospace Centre, will take the last operational VFW 614 out of service as it modernises its fleet with acquisitions including an Airbus A320 and a G-550.

This month the A320 acquired for DLR was introduced to the public at Braunschweig's research airport. The purchase of the pre-owned A320, built in 1997, is part of DLR's ongoing upgrade of its fleet.

"In around two years' time, the A320 will replace the ATTAS research aircraft, which is now over 30 years old and DLR's last VFW 614 still flying," says Prof. Dr Sigmar Wittig, chairman of DLR. The A320 will be refitted to meet the special requirements of a research aircraft.

DLR also will put into service a customised Gulfstream 550 at the end of 2008. The deployment will bring to an end 32 years of service from a Falcon 20E-5.

The G-550 is already manufactured and is undergoing lengthy customisation to equip it for a specialist role that includes taking atmospheric readings used in monitoring global warming.

DLR chief of operations Heinz Finkenzeller says: "We got the Falcon in 1976 and it has been refurbished and had new engines to help it give more than 30 years' service. It is still in good shape but we have lined up a replacement."

DLR uses the Falcon as a multi-role aircraft. Its features include a scanner and advanced equipment for atmospheric research and satellite communications. Finkenzeller says: "Some of the equipment is related to global warming. There are readings that relate to the atmosphere."

The DLR says the transition from old to new generation aircraft started when a Eurocopter EC135 FHS went into service in 2001.

Prof Wittig says the A320 will become an indispensable part of German and European aviation research. "The new research plane will help scientists perform vital future research in their bid to develop efficient, environmentally-compatible air transport. In the face of a growing volume of air traffic, the aim is to achieve lower noise and emission levels while simultaneously increasing the capacity of airports and air routes and raising safety standards."

The A320 will spend two years at Airbus being refitted to carry out inflight experiments and being used in joint projects. The first actual DLR missions are scheduled to commence in 2008.

These include the testing of low-noise take-off and landing procedures and the integration of comprehensive noise-reducing measures, with a view to turning this new research aircraft into a 'quiet aircraft demonstrator'.

The aircraft has also been proposed as a platform for the planned 'Clean Sky' Joint Technology Initiative.

DLR pilots are starting their A320 training. This should be finished at the end of 2006. From 2008, the Airbus will be stationed at the Braunschweig-Wolfburg airport.