Increased automation assistance for the pilot for ATM tasks

The main goal of this opportunity is to boost research and innovation in automation assistance for pilots, specifically within Air Traffic Management (ATM) tasks. It aims to reduce pilot workload, improve safety, and enhance how humans and machines interact by developing advanced on-board systems, digital assistants, and AI-powered applications. Focus areas include supporting communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, sustainable taxiing, avoiding wake turbulence, operating in low visibility, and managing high workloads during critical flight phases like descent and landing. Projects should address these themes, with activities taking place in eligible countries as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme.

• Projects must follow the proposal format and page limits as specified in the Application Form.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as outlined under the Horizon Europe Programme, with special provisions for certain non-EU/non-Associated Countries.
• Proposals must be directly relevant to Air Traffic Management (ATM); unrelated cockpit automation is not eligible.
• Projects need to align with the objectives of SESAR and the European ATM Master Plan.
• Applicants must agree to share results royalty-free with other grants under the same call.
• The maximum project duration is 36 months.
• Projects must address research areas such as advanced on-board systems, AI-powered applications, or automation of specific ATM tasks.

Examples:

• Developing an AI-powered assistant to help pilots manage communications during high traffic situations.
• Creating a digital system that automates safe taxiing operations in low-visibility conditions.
• Designing an on-board tool to alert pilots about wake vortex hazards during approach and landing.

• Personnel costs for research and development activities
• Costs for software and digital tool development
• Equipment and hardware needed for prototypes or demonstrations
• Testing and validation expenses
• Travel and subsistence for project-related activities
• Subcontracting of specific tasks or expertise
• Dissemination and communication of project results
• Project management and administrative costs
• Training related to the project objectives
• Costs for data collection and analysis

All expenses must be covered within the lump sum provided. Beneficiaries are required to share relevant results royalty-free with other grants under the same call.

• Co-financing rate: 70% for all beneficiaries
• Budget for this Call: 30,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 6,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 3,000,000€

• The applicant must be from an eligible country as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme.
• Applicants from some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be eligible if specific funding provisions exist.
• Projects must be directly relevant to Air Traffic Management (ATM) tasks.
• Proposals must follow the required format and length as specified in the submission guidelines.
• Applicants must agree to share results royalty-free with other projects funded under the same call.
• Projects must align with the objectives of SESAR and the European ATM Master Plan.
• Applicants must comply with all requirements set out in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Project duration must not exceed 36 months.