Imagine redesigning a plane's body to fit giant batteries or hydrogen tanks instead of just traditional fuel. This work figures out where to put these heavy power systems and how to build the shell so it stays light and aerodynamic. It's like upgrading a car's chassis to make it a high-performance electric vehicle, but for regional flights.
Regional aircraft currently rely on high-emission fuels. Transitioning to hybrid-electric power requires a complete redesign of the aircraft body to accommodate bulky new energy storage and thermal systems without sacrificing aerodynamics or safety.
Conceptual designs for fuselage and empennages, including space allocation models for fuel cell propulsion and hydrogen tank placement.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the weight and space constraints of hydrogen fuel cells — this project developed new fuselage and empennage designs that optimize storage and thermal management. This allows for a flying demonstrator by 2030.
If you are a materials supplier dealing with the need for more durable, lightweight airframes for electric flight — this project developed new manufacturing and assembly solutions for critical components. This ensures the aircraft meets the 2035 entry-into-service target.
If you are a regional airline dealing with high GHG emissions and fuel costs — this project developed a hybrid-electric regional aircraft configuration. This leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at the aircraft level.
Based on available project data, no specific cost or pricing information is provided.
The project is currently focusing on conceptual design and technical solutions to support a flying demonstrator by 2030 and an aircraft configuration for 2035.
Based on available project data, there are no specific details regarding IP or licensing agreements.
The project aims to support a flying demonstrator by 2030 and an aircraft configuration for entry-into-service (EIS) by 2035.
The project has officially resumed collaboration with EASA, using LDO as the technical coordinator to align with safety and certification standards.
The project is led by Leonardo and features a strong industrial lean with 17 industry partners (53% of the total 32 partners), including 6 SMEs. This high industry ratio, combined with 13 research entities and 2 universities across 9 countries, suggests a strong focus on practical manufacturing and commercial viability rather than pure academic research.
Contact Leonardo S.p.A. regarding the HERFUSE project and UERA configuration
Contact us to identify partners for the 2030 flying demonstrator phase.
