Imagine a plane engine that works like a hybrid car, using both electricity and fuel to be more efficient. It also captures heat that is usually wasted and uses it to boost power, similar to how some advanced factories recycle energy. This helps planes fly further using less fuel and leave fewer trails in the sky.
Aviation faces immense pressure to reduce CO2, NOx, and contrails to meet climate goals. Current engines lack the efficiency needed to reach the -30% aircraft-level fuel goal without a major architectural shift.
A dual-spool hybrid-electric architecture featuring megawatt-class electric motor generators, motor controllers, output filters, and DC panels.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with strict carbon mandates — this project developed a dual-spool hybrid-electric architecture that improves fuel burn and energy consumption by 20%. This allows for the creation of more sustainable short- to long-range aircraft.
If you are an engine maker dealing with high NOx emissions — this project developed a low-emissions combustor and water-injecting system that achieves a 50% reduction in the climate impact of NOx and contrails.
If you are an airport operator dealing with local air pollution and noise — this project developed electric taxiing capabilities. This reduces the reliance on main engines during ground movement to improve local air quality.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures for the hardware are not provided.
The project is maturing the dual-spool hybridized turbofan to TRL 5 through ground demonstration and the waste heat recovery concept to TRL 4.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project involves a global consortium of 22 partners including OEMs and Tier I suppliers.
The technology is expected to form the foundation for market entry by 2035, with flight testing and TRL 6 maturation targeted by 2030.
The propulsion system is designed to be compatible with 100% drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is suitable for hydrogen-burning powerplants.
The project is heavily industry-driven, with 18 industrial partners (82% of the 22-member consortium) across 11 countries. The presence of major OEMs like MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney, and Airbus, alongside Tier I suppliers like Collins Aerospace, indicates a high level of commercial intent and a direct path to integration in actual aircraft.
Contact MTU AERO ENGINES AG regarding the Dual-spool-hybridized heat recovering Second-Generation Geared Turbofan.
Contact us to identify potential licensing opportunities for hybrid-electric propulsion components.
