SciTransfer
INDIGO · Project

Next-Generation Low-Emission Hybrid Aircraft and Quiet Airport Operation Systems

transportPrototypeTRL 2

Imagine a plane that switches to a quiet electric mode, like a hybrid car, when it gets close to an airport to stop waking up the neighbors. It uses extra-long, thin wings to glide more efficiently through the air. This helps planes fly cleaner and quieter without losing the power needed for long trips.

By the numbers
50%
emission reduction goal by 2050
The business problem

What needed solving

Aviation faces increasing pressure to reduce CO2, NOx, and noise pollution, especially around airports, which impacts public health and triggers strict environmental regulations.

The solution

What was built

A baseline aircraft concept featuring Distributed Hybrid Electric Propulsion (DHEP) and Large Aspect Ratio Wings (LARW), supported by advanced digital models for airport operations.

Audience

Who needs this

Aircraft manufacturersAirport operatorsSustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producersAir traffic management agencies
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Aerospace Manufacturing
enterprise
Target: Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with strict new carbon limits — this project developed a Distributed Hybrid Electric Propulsion and Large Aspect Ratio Wing design that aims to reduce emissions by up to 50% by 2050.

Airport Management
enterprise
Target: Airport Operator

If you are an airport operator dealing with noise complaints and local air quality regulations — this project developed new operational procedures for taxiing and landing that lower the environmental impact on surrounding communities.

Aviation Software
mid-size
Target: Flight Simulation and Planning Software Provider

If you are a software provider dealing with the lack of data for non-conventional aircraft — this project developed advanced digital modeling to optimize flight phases and predict the performance of hybrid-electric powertrains.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the estimated cost or price of implementing these technologies?

Based on available project data, specific cost figures for implementation are not provided; the project focuses on design and digital demonstration.

Is this technology ready for industrial scale?

No, the project focuses on advancing low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies and creating a baseline aircraft concept for future development.

How is the IP or licensing handled for the new wing and propulsion designs?

Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding IP or licensing agreements provided in the summary.

Does this help with current aviation regulations?

Yes, it aligns with the European Green Deal and the EU's climate-neutral mobility strategy to reduce CO2, NOx, and noise pollution.

What is the timeline for seeing these aircraft in the sky?

The project aims for a long-term goal of reducing emissions by up to 50% by 2050.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium consists of 10 partners across 5 countries (DE, ES, IT, LV, UK). It is heavily weighted toward research and academia, with 5 universities and 4 research centers, while only 1 industry partner (10% ratio) is involved. This suggests the project is primarily focused on fundamental R&D and digital validation rather than immediate commercial production.

How to reach the team

Contact the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to find partners for scaling these hybrid propulsion concepts.

More in Transport & Mobility
See all Transport & Mobility projects