Imagine a hybrid car, but for a small airplane. Instead of relying only on fuel, it uses a mix of electricity and a high-efficiency engine to cut down on pollution. It's like giving a regional plane a battery boost to make short trips much cleaner.
Regional air travel faces intense competition from trains and cars due to the high carbon footprint of short flights. To survive, regional aviation must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to change public perception and meet regulations.
An integrated ground test demonstrator consisting of a core thermal engine, electric motor, power electronics, gearbox, propeller, nacelle, and heat exchanger.
If you are a regional aircraft manufacturer dealing with high CO2 emissions and competition from high-speed trains — this project developed a hybrid electric thermal turboprop (e-TP) that improves overall efficiency. This allows your planes to be more attractive to eco-conscious travelers.
If you are an SAF producer dealing with the need for engine compatibility — this project developed a system with 100% SAF compatibility. This ensures your fuel can be used in the next generation of hybrid regional engines.
If you are a power electronics supplier dealing with the transition to electric flight — this project developed an integrated ground test demonstrator including electric motors and power electronics. This provides a validated blueprint for scaling aviation-grade electric components.
Based on available project data, the specific unit cost of the propulsion system is not provided; however, the EU contribution for the development is EUR 44,103,443.
The project is currently focused on a ground test demonstrator to prove viability. It is a first step toward hybridization rather than a full-scale industrial rollout.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project involves a consortium of 37 partners including major industry players like Rolls-Royce and Safran.
The strategic objective is to demonstrate the viability of the hybrid electric thermal turboprop within a 36-month window.
The system is designed to meet Top-Level Aircraft Requirements defined by other Clean Aviation projects, integrating a core thermal engine, electric motor, gearbox, and propeller.
The project is heavily industry-driven with a 68% industry ratio, featuring 25 industrial partners including aerospace giants Rolls-Royce, Safran, Airbus, ATR, and Leonardo. With 37 partners across 9 countries and 9 SMEs involved, the consortium is structured for rapid technology transfer from research to actual aircraft integration.
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