Rolls-Royce has been selected by the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme to lead a project aimed at demonstrating hybrid-electric propulsion technology for future short- and medium-range aircraft, as the aviation industry seeks to cut emissions while improving fuel efficiency.
The ELEVATED project is one of 19 initiatives selected under the latest Clean Aviation funding call. The projects will receive up to €290 million in EU funding and are expected to generate total public and private investment of €664 million, supporting technologies ranging from hybrid-electric propulsion to hydrogen-powered and ultra-efficient regional aircraft.
Led by Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the ELEVATED consortium includes industrial, academic and research partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. The partners will work on areas including hybridisation, electrification, engine integration, electrical machines and drives, high-voltage systems, aircraft integration and technology modelling.
Subject to the completion of the grant process, the project will integrate a hybrid-electric subsystem into an existing “donor” engine. The system will then be integrated, controlled and tested under conditions intended to replicate those encountered in aircraft operation.
Rolls-Royce said the hybrid-electric system is being developed towards a target of reducing aircraft-level carbon dioxide emissions by at least 20%.
The project will also assess the potential contribution of hybrid-electric technology to the company’s UltraFan 30 technology demonstrator, supporting its development towards Technology Readiness Level 6, a stage at which technology is considered sufficiently mature for demonstration in a relevant environment.
UltraFan is Rolls-Royce’s next-generation geared engine programme for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The UltraFan 30 demonstrator is focused on short- and medium-range aircraft and is scheduled for ground testing in 2028.
The demonstrator combines new engine-core architecture, fan technology, advanced materials and manufacturing processes, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency, emissions and durability. Rolls-Royce said the engine is being designed to operate with 100% sustainable aviation fuel from the outset.
The ELEVATED project forms part of wider European efforts to develop lower-emission aviation technologies while maintaining the competitiveness of the region’s aerospace industry.
