The HYDEA project, which stands for “HYdrogen DEmonstrator for Aviation”, proposes a robust technology maturation plan to develop an H2C (Hydrogen Combustion) propulsion system compatible with an Entry Into Service of a zero-CO2 low-emission aircraft in 2035, consistently with the expected timeframe of the European Green Deal and CA SRIA objectives. The project aims to address fundamental questions related to the use of hydrogen as an aviation fuel, concentrating on the development and testing in relevant conditions of an H2 combustor and H2 fuel system, also including emission studies and further technologies which will serve as an outlook to future engines, i.e. NOx optimization studies, potential contrails emissions and investigating integration aspects between engine and aircraft. HYDEA results will be core for the ZEROe technology exploration project, launched by Airbus in 2020. The revolutionary technologies in scope call for an early engagement and dialogue with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) within HYDEA, starting from phase 1.

The TROPHY project, which stands for “Technological Research On Propulsion by HYdrogen”, aimed at supporting the Clean Aviation HYDEA funded project (HYdrogen DEmonstrator for Aviation), which proposes a technology maturation plan to develop an H2C (Hydrogen Combustion) propulsion system compatible with an Entry Into Service of a zero CO2 low-emission aircraft in 2035. TROPHY supported design activities related to the development of an H2 engine fuel system as well as the investigation of integration aspects between engine and aircraft. Decision was made by the consortium to close TROPHY grant agreement as it turned out that key objectives as initially envisaged were no longer relevant.

Aviation needs to meet the ambitious targets of the European Green Deal. This means a step change is needed towards hybrid electric regional aircraft to significantly reduce the fuel burn. This can only be accomplished with power distribution networks that can safely handle the high power and high voltage levels, ultimately up to several Megawatt. The HECATE project will address the associated challenges of system weight and power density, high voltage challenges with lightning, arcing and electromagnetic interference as well as optimized thermal management, in addition to digitizing the design process with digital twins. This will lead to transformative technology bricks, which are holistically optimized at system integration architecture level. The HECATE project will demonstrate a >500 kW architecture in a copper bird at TRL5. This will provide a clearer understanding of high voltage challenges and how to mitigate them, with a scalability roadmap towards CAJU Phase 2 flight demonstration and exploitation in a 2035 new built Hybrid Electric Regional aircraft. Also, environmental impact and LCA will be assessed. For optimal alignment and ensuring certifiability, HECATE will establish relationships with other Clean Aviation projects (e.g. HER-01 for MW propulsion, HER-02 for thermal, TRA-01 for architecture, TRA-02 for certification) and authorities and standards groups (e.g. EASA, EUROCAE). As a set of key enabling technologies that are well integrated, HECATE will contribute to the Clean Aviation SRIA and its expected impacts, and fully fulfill the call's expected outcomes. The 37-member consortium mobilizes key EU based industries throughout the entire existing supply chain: from aircraft OEMs to system integrators, to system and subsystems suppliers, 5 of which are SMEs. 17 RTOs, complement and reinforce the industries, which also ensures knowledge gained is embedded in future research and education programs. HECATE requests 34 210 348€ of grant.