Integration of the next generation aircraft for zero/low emission aviation

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the integration of zero or low-emission aircraft into the air transport system, contributing to climate-neutral aviation. The focus is on hydrogen-powered, battery-electric, and hybrid-electric aircraft, ensuring they can be safely and efficiently managed alongside conventional aircraft. Projects should address how the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system can adapt to these new technologies. The opportunity is open to research and innovation activities that help prepare the aviation sector for these next-generation aircraft. Geographic coverage may depend on specific eligibility guidelines.

• Projects must comply with the application format and page limits.
• Applicants must come from eligible countries as defined in the relevant guidelines.
• Proposals should address the integration of next-generation, low-emission aircraft (hydrogen, electric, or hybrid-electric) into ATM systems.
• Projects must be submitted through the official Submission System.
• Projects should contribute to the safe and efficient introduction of these aircraft with minimal impact on existing operations.

Examples:

• A project developing ATM protocols for managing flights of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
• An initiative testing the integration of battery-electric aircraft into regional airspace.
• A research collaboration designing hybrid-electric aircraft procedures for mixed-traffic environments.

• Personnel costs for research and technical staff
• Costs for equipment and materials needed for project activities
• Travel and subsistence for project meetings and dissemination
• Consultancy and subcontracting directly related to the project
• Costs for pilot studies and demonstration activities
• Software and IT infrastructure required for the project
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Training activities directly linked to project objectives
• Indirect costs included in the lump sum

Note: All funding is provided as a lump sum. Expenses must relate directly to the approved project activities.

• Budget for this Call: 14,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 2,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 1,000,000€

• Type of Action: Innovation Action (IA)

• Minimum Participants: At least three independent legal entities

• Mandatory Involvement: At least one entity from the private sector

• Geographical Requirement: Entities must be established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries

• Operational Stakeholders: Participation of operational stakeholders (e.g., Air Navigation Service Providers, airports, airlines) is encouraged

• Technological Readiness Level (TRL): Proposals should aim to advance solutions towards TRL 6 or higher

• Interoperability: Projects should ensure interoperability with existing systems and comply with SESAR and EASA standards