Propulsion system for next generation rotorcrafts

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop advanced, efficient, and high-power engines for future European military rotorcraft systems. It aims to address the needs of EU Member States and Associated Countries by enabling next-generation features and performance in rotorcraft propulsion. Focus areas include creating a European-made propulsion solution, improving engine efficiency and reliability, and reducing environmental impact using hybrid technology and sustainable aviation fuels. The opportunity also seeks to strengthen the EU supply chain and avoid reliance on non-EU export-controlled products. Activities are targeted at supporting EU sovereignty and independence in strategic military platforms.

• Proposals must follow the required page limit and layout as specified in the application guidelines.
• Projects must come from eligible countries as listed in the call documentation.
• Applicants must meet additional eligibility and operational capacity requirements.
• Mandatory activities include generating and integrating knowledge, conducting studies, and designing defence propulsion technologies.
• Projects must focus on engine and component development, excluding rotors, gearboxes, and shafts.
• System prototyping, qualification, and certification activities are not permitted.

Example projects:

• Designing a new hybrid propulsion system for military helicopters that uses sustainable aviation fuels.
• Studying AI-based control systems for improving the efficiency and reliability of high-power engines.
• Developing advanced materials and components for next-generation rotorcraft engines within the EU supply chain.

• Research activities focused on knowledge generation for propulsion systems
• Integration of new technologies into engine designs
• Feasibility and technical studies for next-generation engines
• Design and simulation of engine components
• Development of hybridisation concepts for propulsion
• Studies on artificial intelligence for engine control
• Preparation of technological solutions for advanced engines
• Personnel costs related to eligible activities
• Costs for materials and consumables used in research and design
• Travel and meeting expenses for project collaboration

Restrictions: Expenses related to system prototyping, qualification, certification, or technologies for lifecycle efficiency are not eligible. Work must focus on engines and components, not on rotors, gearboxes, or shafts.

Budget for this call: 25,000,000€

• Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or an EDF Associated Country.
• All project partners must comply with the eligibility conditions specified in the call documentation.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Projects must not include excluded activities such as system prototyping, qualification, or certification.
• Consortiums or networks may be required, depending on the call details.
• Applicants must focus activities on engine and propulsion systems only.
• Proposals must follow all submission and format requirements as outlined in the application guidelines.
• Applicants must not be subject to export control restrictions from non-EU countries.