Press release
12 June 2025

NITIU and Saab deepen collaboration – replacing aluminum with steel to halve weight in load-bearing structures

NITIU and Saab are moving forward with a joint technology project focused on lightweight, high-strength components that can be produced more efficiently than today’s standard solutions. By replacing aluminum with advanced steel in a load-bearing structure, the team aims to develop a solution that is 50% lighter and four times stiffer. The structure is based on NITIU’s patented ILS® technology and high-performance steel from Alleima.

From analysis to prototype

The partnership dates back several years, initially focusing on hydrogen storage. As the ILS® structure proved to have potential in structural applications, the insight emerged that the technology could also be used in aircraft design, where low weight and high structural strength and rigidity are critical performance factors.

The project began by rethinking a control component in the SK60 aircraft. The aim: to reduce weight, increase rigidity and improve manufacturability. The result was a completely new structure where aluminum was replaced with a prismatic ILS® solution in high-strength steel from Alleima, optimized for mechanical performance and production efficiency.

”With our ILS® structure combined with Alleima’s steel, we’ve demonstrated the ability to develop aircraft components that reduce fuel consumption, extend range and improve operational economics. This project truly paves the way for the lightweight structures of the future,” says Patrik Eriksson, CEO at NITIU.

Roles and collaboration

The project is being run as a joint engineering effort. Saab is responsible for requirements, verification and testing, while NITIU leads development and production with its ILS® technology. Alleima contributes its expertise in high-performance steel alloys.

“This collaboration allows us to test new structural principles in a real-world application. It strengthens our ability to rapidly evaluate and scale up emerging technologies,” says Anders Pettersson at Advanced Programs, Saab Aeronautics.

Next step

A physical prototype is now in development, with the goal of conducting verification testing in Saab’s test rigs in Linköping before the end of the year. The tests will be carried out at component level and represent a key milestone in evaluating the technology for future use in aerospace and defence.

For questions, please contact:

Patrik Eriksson, CEO NITIU, patrik.eriksson@nitiu.se, +46 (0)70-662 32 15