Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft Concept for Low EmissionS

forthcoming

In a world where the consequences of the climate change are already observable, the reduction of the aviation’s ecological footprint is undoubtedly essential. With 22% of total commercial flight departures being operated by regional aircraft, the introduction of more innovative concepts is necessary to achieving the net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 defined by the European Green Deal. In this context, HERACLES aims to define an ultra-efficient regional aircraft (UERA) concept, embedding innovative technologies, such as a hybrid electric propulsion system with high-performance batteries and optimized thermal engine (using 100% SAF), optimized propeller, advanced airframe and other enabling technologies for more electric aircraft. This concept targets a reduction of no less than 30% in CO2 emissions on typical regional routes (250NM or below), compared to a 2020 state-of-the-art aircraft. The project will benefit of a portfolio of demonstrations in regional thrust, to integrate technologies at high level of maturation (TRL5/6 at the end of the program), to support entry into service in 2035. The certification aspects will also take a major role in HERACLES. The project will coordinate the EASA involvement in all projects of the consortia (HERACLES, REG-01, REG-02 and REG-03), to contribute to the rulemaking for hybrid aircraft and deliver a route to CRL6. Furthermore, HERACLES will support the flight test demonstrator (FTD) assessment led by the REG-03 project, by providing the architecture and configuration assessment of fully integrated design of the demonstrator and the flight physics studies. It will also support the wind tunnel tests performed in this project by providing the design of the propeller and nacelle concept to be tested. With these activities defined for the UERA concept and the FTD, HERACLES will accelerate the penetration of innovative technologies in the regional aircraft market, to significantly participate to the aviation decarbonization.