Future propulsion and integration: towards a hybrid-electric 50-seat regional aircraft
FUTPRINT50 addresses the need to accelerate disruptive technologies in aviation to ensure Carbon Neutral growth commitment from FlightPath2050. It will develop tools, technologies and aircraft level analysis for key hybrid-electric technologies supporting the entry into service of a 50 seat class aircraft by 2035/2040. This type is at the locus of convergence of timeframe and technology, promising to open with improved costs new routes for point 2 point connection of smaller, interior cities and villages at lower infrastructure costs than rail or road transportation, fulfilling aviation’s higher goal of connecting people for the creation of wealth and societal good. FUTPRINT50 will focus on energy storage, energy harvesting and thermal management. Besides advancing the state of the art of these technologies, it will research and develop MDO design methodologies whilst considering uncertainty, models and tools to evaluate new configurations and integration at system and aircraft level. To attain the ambitious vision of an entry into service aircraft by 2035/2040, FUTPRINT50 will develop roadmaps to align future research on technology development but also the regulatory side, striving for market, technology and legal readiness for entry into service. For this FUTPRINT50 will use research developed within the project but also extend itself to other complementary projects and initiatives, besides engaging the main stakeholders in comprehensive workshops. Furthermore, open-source aircraft design tools, hybrid-electric aircraft designs, and reference data sets will be generated and shared openly with the community to accelerate the development of future hybrid-electric aircraft. Finally, FUTPRINT50 will be developed by an international consortium of diverse and highly competent partners, abridging the EU with USA, Russia and Brazil and supported by an Advisory Board including EASA and ensuring connection with Canada.