ATR has been handed a mandate that could alter the trajectory of short-haul aviation in Europe and beyond. The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, the European Union’s flagship programme for next-generation aircraft, has selected the turboprop manufacturer to lead two cornerstone projects in hybrid-electric propulsion.
At the centre of this push lies a commitment to deliver, by 2030, the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft in flight. The ATR 72-600 will serve as the test bed for the demonstration programme, with technologies designed to merge thermal propulsion compatible with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel, advanced battery systems and electrified aircraft systems.
Two major initiatives will underpin the company’s contribution. The HERACLES project will define the architecture of an ultra-efficient regional aircraft, one capable of marrying hybrid-electric propulsion with high-performance propellers and systems that minimise energy loss. DEMETRA, meanwhile, will translate those concepts into practice by testing them in flight on the ATR 72-600. These platforms will involve industrial and research partners including Safran, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Avation PLC (LON:AVAP) is a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company owning a fleet of aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world. Avation’s future focus are new technology low CO2 emission aircraft.
