Impact

Achieving climate-neutral aviation is going to depend on the development of disruptive aircraft configurations

Achieving climate-neutral aviation is going to depend on the development of disruptive aircraft configurations

In this illustration, an airplane can be seen flying above a residential house, with carbon dioxide emissions left behind as it flies over head.

Climate Impact

In order to reach climate neutrality by 2050, it’s essential for EU aviation to rapidly and widely adopt a new breed of aircraft. The introduction of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) has enabled lightweight solutions capable of offering reduced CO2 emissions that could ultimately see a reduction of up to 30% in fuel burn and CO2 emissions between the aircraft currently in service and the next generation.

Achieving climate-neutral aviation is going to depend on the development of disruptive aircraft configurations rendering various decisive gains in performance (CO2 / NOX emissions, ultra-fine particles, noise) and starting their entry into service by 2035.

To move out of the well-known tube-and-wing design powered with turbofan engines into the rupturing future aircraft are going to need knowledge able to quickly solve disruptive design scenarios and reliable evidence for their qualification and certification. The CAELESTIS Ecosystem will be a key enabler for such breakthrough innovations.

In this illustration, an airplane can be seen flying above a residential house, with carbon dioxide emissions left behind as it flies over head.

Our innovations could see a

40 - 60%

reduction

in materials used and emissions from component production

New processes will take

270%

more

optimization scenarios into consideration during production

We want to facilitate a

25%

reduction

in manufacturing times for future aircraft designs

Additionally, improvements could see a

70%

reduction

in manufacturing costs for a new breed of aircraft

Scientific Impact

The creation of high-quality knowledge fostered by AI, such as the output from CAELESTIS, and applied to massive simulations to thrust innovation across complex configurations, such as the transport industry, will have significant knock-on effects and broad applicability. Findings will enable SMEs & start-ups to operate within a streamlined, market-oriented approach supported by RTOs (Research & Technical Organisations) and LEs (Large Enterprises) and accelerate their innovation potential. OS (Open Science) practices will significantly contribute to that end, and enhance diffusion of essential knowledge.

A specialist stands next to a bank of supercomputers.

Our innovations could see a

30%

reduction

in fuel burn & CO2 emissions from flight

New technology could enable a

30%

time reduction

in design and manufacturing optimization

Vritual prototypes could see a

35%

reduction

in the weight of multimaterial components

Improved manufacturing processes will enable an

80%

reduction

in component defects

An airplane flies through the sky above the European Union flag

Societal Growth

Creating more and better jobs, accelerating economic transformation and digitalisation, plus generating innovation-based and inclusive growth are priorities of the European Green Deal.

The results of CAELESTIS will have a significant impact on the twin transition (digital and green) of the entire aviation ecosystem, improving European competitiveness and resilience throughout the sector. The project is working towards a human-centred future for digitalisation, opportunities for SMEs, and the leveraging of digital infrastructures (e.g., HPC) to serve manufacturing industries. The creation of high-skilled and resilient jobs (e.g., ICT engineers) and the securing of workers’ up/reskilling, including gender perspective, is a core objective of the project. Additionally, the broader impacts of carbon neutral aviation will impact the flexibility of Europe’s job market (e.g., improvements to commuting possibilities) and contribute to a healthier society and improved air quality.

Economic & Technological Growth

The CAELESTIS ecosystem will transform an otherwise long, costly and risky endeavour, taking it to its competitive edge. The immediate improvements made in the speed, cost and reliability of design optimisation, qualification and manufacturing, will in fact be further improved over time, building on community-generated knowledge. Essential actions throughout the project to boost adoption will ensure the attainment of a critical mass that secures the EU aeronautics industry a competitive global position. Timely adoption and fleet replacement can be expected as airlines compete to both serve growing air traffic and comply with tightening CO2 and fuel regulations in many countries.

 

CAELESTIS’ contribution to the EU aviation ecosystem will also enhance resilience in the sector, via further digitalisation of Distributed Engineering Teams (DET), in addition to new cybersecurity measures to protect such a sensitive working environment against cyberattacks.

 

The technological findings of CAELESTIS will also provide a basis for much long-term innovation-based growth by securing the innovation capacity of Europe’s aeronautics industry. The project’s outputs could create innovation opportunities for model & simulation (M&S) tools suppliers in particular.

A businessman holds a computer tablet, with symbols indicating various economic facets being improved by CAELESTIS, including travel, security, efficiency, etc.