Context and Challenges

The 36-month project will focus on developing a ground-based demonstrator of a hybrid electric-thermal (e-TP) propulsion system. This system will integrate key technologies such as a thermal engine, an electric motor, power electronics, and cooling systems.

The project consortium includes high-profile companies such as Rolls-Royce, Safran, ATR, Airbus, and Leonardo, along with research institutions and universities, ensuring extensive expertise in the various technical areas required for the development of the hybrid propulsion system.

Our Proposal

Skylife Engineering will contribute to the project by analyzing the impact of integrating the hybrid propulsion system on other aircraft systems, such as the electrical and thermal systems. SKYLIFE’s proposal goes beyond operational and environmental performance, focusing on aspects critical to the industry.

Based on the results of the ground demonstrator tests, SKYLIFE will issue recommendations on how to adapt the architecture of these systems. The goal is to optimize the use of new technological opportunities, such as energy recovery, and to evaluate the scalability of these findings across different power ranges.

Objectives:

The main objectives of the HE-ART project are:

• To develop a ground-based demonstrator of a hybrid propulsion system for regional aircraft.
• To evaluate the impact of hybridization on aircraft systems.
• To provide design recommendations for the integration of future hybrid systems.
• To contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions and the development of more sustainable technologies in the aviation sector.

Expected Benefits

The project will advance hybrid propulsion technology, generating crucial knowledge about the integration of hybrid systems into aircraft. Benefits will be realized both technically—by testing new system architectures—and environmentally—by contributing to emissions reduction. The resulting practical recommendations will be valuable to the industry in the development of future hybrid aircraft.

The project is part of the HORIZON-JU-Clean-Aviation-2022-01 call for proposals. The specific budget and grant for SKYLIFE are €101,250.00 and €70,875.00, respectively. The project will be carried out from 2023 to 2025.

At Skylife Engineering, we lead projects thanks to our extensive experience in integrating advanced technologies and our strong commitment to sustainability in aviation. We work closely with each project manager, applying a rigorous process of review and continuous improvement. This approach ensures solutions of the highest quality—safe and effective—that have a real and lasting impact on the industry.