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.
Next-Generation Low-Emission Hybrid Aircraft and Quiet Airport Operation Systems
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.
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.
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.
Who needs this
Who can put this to work
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to find partners for scaling these hybrid propulsion concepts.