Eligible R&D Activities in Aviation

With a growing number of companies in Ireland directly related to the Aerospace Industry, we are seen as one of the major players in the Aviation/Aerospace Sector.

These 200 companies range in a wide variety of technological capabilities such as optics, propulsion, space systems software, onboard data systems, ground station systems & networks, and passenger aircraft just to name a few.

The global demand for passenger aircraft is ever increasing and there are exciting new opportunities for space travel, making this a sector brimming with R&D. A new aircraft development typically takes between 10–15 years and involves multiple partners across the supply chain working concurrently on a multi-phased programme.

Opportunities for R&D Tax Credits

This provides opportunities across the supply chain to apply for the R&D tax credit.  From OEM’s developing the fuel efficient engines of the future to Tier 2 suppliers developing new composite materials to improve performance within them. In addition to commercial aerospace, defense is still a major part for the sector and here cutting edge technology is also being applied.

Examples of Eligible R&D activities 

• Extending knowledge of new composite materials to replace parts to both extend life and minimise weight;
• Developing new aircraft and related equipment;
• Enhancing manufacturing processes to increase capacity, whilst reducing costs;
• Reducing the weight of in-flight equipment to achieve an appreciable improvement in performance;
• Developing digital systems to replace legacy analogue systems;
• Integrating available equipment on new platforms;
• Duplicating material development process from the automotive industry to provide light-weight requirements of space travel;
• Exploiting test rigs to resolve technological uncertainty for space travel.

Expenditures can include wages, third party contractor cost (contractor performing R&D in EEA), materials, machinery, equipment, and overheads.

Visiativ Ireland can assist you in obtaining tax credits for research and development activities. Whether your work involves basic research, applied research, or experimental development, Visiativ Ireland can take the uncertainty out of the filing process and get you the credit you deserve for your innovation.

For a detailed evaluation of the Aviation/Aerospace industry, please contact us now.