Imagine a plane wing that is much longer and thinner than today's, supported by a brace like an old-fashioned glider to keep it steady. It uses a special surface that lets air slide past without friction and a smarter way to keep ice off the wings. This design helps a large plane carry 250 people while using significantly less fuel.
Current commercial aircraft are too energy-intensive to meet net-zero 2050 goals. Existing wing designs and ice protection systems create too much drag and consume excessive power.
A matured design for a Very High Aspect Ratio, Strut-Braced wing and a Ground Based Demonstrator for testing integration with open-fan propulsion.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with high fuel costs and carbon mandates — this project developed a strut-braced wing architecture that reduces block energy by 18%. This allows for the creation of a 250-passenger aircraft capable of flying 2000 nm more efficiently.
If you are a component supplier dealing with energy-heavy de-icing systems — this project developed an advanced leading-edge solution that cuts the energy budget for ice protection by 50%. This reduces the overall weight and power requirements of the aircraft.
If you are an engine maker dealing with installation drag from open-rotor designs — this project developed an optimized integration for Unducted Single Fans. This ensures installation drag remains below 4% of the total aircraft drag.
The project is valued at 20 million Euros, with 14 million Euros provided as funding.
The project uses high-fidelity simulations, Wind Tunnel Tests (ETW, S2MA, Collins Aerospace), and a Ground Based Demonstrator to mature the design for a 250-passenger aircraft.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the consortium includes major industry players like Airbus and Dassault Aviation.
The project runs from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026, aiming to accelerate the Entry Into Service of ultra-efficient SMR aircraft.
The design integrates an Overall Aircraft Design sizing loop that includes LH2 propulsion by an Open Fan (direct burn).
The consortium is highly industry-driven, with a 50% industry ratio consisting of 6 industrial partners, including top-tier OEMs like Airbus and Dassault Aviation. With 12 partners across 6 countries, the group balances high-level academic research (2 universities, 3 research centers) with practical validation capabilities provided by wind tunnel operators and component suppliers.
Contact ONERA (France) for technical inquiries regarding the AWATAR wing maturation.
Contact us to find partners for hydrogen-powered aircraft integration.
