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Innovation takes off n° 23 October 2017
Broadening Clean Sky Horizons
www.cleansky.eu
Clean Sky Evaluations:
Contents signposting the
future of aeronautics
research in Europe
Editorial3
4
Clean Sky Evaluations: signposting the future 4
of aeronautics research in Europe
Clean Sky working with Member States and Regions 5
Why early involvement of certification matters to achieve 6
environmental protection objectives
Shift2Rail and
Shift2Rail and Clean Sky: part of the multimodal and 7 Clean Sky: part of
competitive future EU Transport
the multimodal and
SESAR and the digitalisation of aviation’s infrastructure 8 competitive future
EU Transport
Fuel cells and hydrogen solutions for clean transport 9
Breakthrough BLADE laminar flow demonstrator makes first flight 10
7
Landmark Open Rotor engine up and running 12
Clean Sky at Le Bourget 2017 14
Next events 16
Fuel cells and BLADE laminar flow
hydrogen demonstrator makes
solutions for first flight!
clean transport
9 10-11
Open Rotor Clean Sky at
Up and Le Bourget 2017
Running!
12-13 14-15
2 Skyline 23 | October 2017
EDITORIAL
Tiit Jürimäe
Interim Executive Director, Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
The last few months have been very important under H2020 and, even more importantly, will interested Member States and Regions. You
for Clean Sky. First and foremost, tests have serve as an input for the design of the future can read about our cooperation with SESAR
successfully started for two of our landmark FP9 programme and Clean Sky 3. I invite and EASA aimed at working together on issues
demonstrators – flight tests for the BLADE you to read Cheryl Atkinson’s insight into of common interest such as optimisation of
laminar flow test aircraft and ground tests the reviews. Cheryl was one of the experts air traffic management and early certification
for the Open Rotor engine – after 10 years involved in the review process and has shared issues related to new technologies. Beyond
of preparation through the collaboration of with us the main findings of the reviews. In aeronautics, Clean Sky 2 has close links to
many organisations throughout Europe. The addition to these reports, Clean Sky welcomes two European Joint Undertakings, Fuel Cells
strong start to these tests proves that Clean the recommendations of the Horizon 2020 and Hydrogen (FCH) in energy and Shift2Rail
Sky is a successful partnership which not only evaluation report “Research & Innovation – in rail transport, whose remits share with us
stimulates cross-border collaboration, but is shaping our future”, presented on 3 July under the goals of energy efficiency and reducing
also able to deliver well. Read more about the leadership of Pascal Lamy. This report the environmental footprint of a number of
those two Clean Sky milestones in this issue. explicitly mentions the Joint Undertakings’ strategic industrial sectors. Finally, you will
ability to build long-lasting relationships find an update on our increased cooperation
Another important milestone for us has been throughout the supply chain. Indeed, halfway with regions where Clean Sky has been one
the completion by the independent experts through the programme, Clean Sky 2’s figures of the pioneers at the European level and the
of the FP7 Clean Sky final evaluation report speak for themselves: 462 single participants concrete projects and synergies are starting
and the Horizon 2020 Clean Sky 2 interim in 25 countries of which 151 are small and to bear fruit.
evaluation report. This detailed review medium companies, 63 are research centres
exercise, managed by the Commission, is and 61 are universities. A truly open and Finally, we are glad to report on our joint
key to not only assessing the impact of Clean inclusive European partnership! presence with the European Commission
Sky, but also to drawing lessons that will help at the Le Bourget Airshow in June where
Clean Sky 2 to perform at its best for the rest of Encouraged by those results and among others, the Clean Sky-supported new
the programme. participation figures, we continue working breakthrough fast rotorcraft RACER project
on our contribution to Clean Sky’s high-level was unveiled at our stand. I hope you enjoy
The overall tone of the Clean Sky reports is objectives of improving the environment your reading!
very positive, with experts clearly impressed via innovative technologies and helping
by the Clean Sky performance and finding the European competitiveness. However, Clean
Joint Undertaking a very effective approach Sky does not operate in isolation, so we are
to research management. The reports have looking at the broad horizon around Clean
also delivered critical messages and points Sky 2 with a focus on those programmes
for reflection which will be translated into and projects closely related to research in
measures to improve Clean Sky 2’s functioning aeronautics and working together with
Skyline 23 | October 2017 3
CLEAN SKY EVALUATIONS:
SIGNPOSTING THE FUTURE OF
AERONAUTICS RESEARCH IN EUROPE
Cheryl Atkinson
Freelance Aeronautics Consultant
M y colleagues, Poitr Doerffer and Helge
Pfeiffer, and I were privileged to prepare
the final evaluation of the Clean Sky 1
programme is based on years of cross border
collaboration, just as for the aeronautics
supply chain. Proportionally more funding
central to reducing fragmentation, avoiding
duplication and capturing the industries’
performance in selecting development
programme and the first interim evaluation has, through open calls, flowed into under- goals as well as realising them. The proud
of Clean Sky 2 during the first half of this year. represented member states than to the ‘big achievements of a specific demonstrator may
These reviews were timed to provide input three’ GDP producers never enter the market
into the H2020 interim evaluation and the early and this will empower integrally but hundreds
work on the formation of the next generation their future. We have What we most of underlying advances
framework programme. The Clean Sky reviews seen that demonstrator admired, and considered in produc t design
were part of a team effort together with the programmes are made and manu f ac turing
SESAR and Shift2Rail reviews and it was often for SME contribution – a
the critical success capability will ensure
helpful to share insights with these colleagues. record participation has factor, in the Clean Sky a next generation of
been realised even with programme was the globally competitive
We quickly recognised that Clean Sky’s many SME contributions
conception as a Joint Technology Initiative and not in the administrative
evidence we encountered air transport vehicles
that can meet the
its management by a Joint Undertaking are ‘count’. But we have everywhere of the will to environmental standards
still fairly unique to the framework programme also found that the make it work. that will be expected of
scope. And the ambitious demonstrator nature of the calls for them. The metrics of a
focused research agenda targets a later phase proposals that arise from successful collaborative
in the research and development life cycle demonstrator programmes are so tailored and research effort on an unprecedented scale
than has ever been addressed in European time sensitive that subcontracting would be remain to be invented by the Clean Sky team.
Union funded research. These two features much more efficient – especially for the JU.
guided our research. Thanks to the frequent The reduction of the administrative burden
engagement of independent external Pe r h a p s m o r e s i g n i f i c a n t t h a n t h e based on a ‘trust-based’ relationship with
reviewers of the technical programme, our technological products of Clean Sky is the beneficiaries does not seem to have come to
evaluation could focus on the governance exposure of a generation of industrial, research fruition in the Horizon 2020 programme. And
and programmatic aspects of the Clean Sky and academic personnel to the rhythm of the that is understandable for the broad range
research programme. While it is daunting to later phases of research and development of funding instruments managed by various
summarise such a broad endeavour, I will try that they would otherwise not have had agencies and directorates. But the legal
to highlight our key observations here. the opportunity to experience. It has been implementation of a JTI would suggest that, with
a training ground for systematic approaches more Commission trust in the JU Programme
The JU is a very effective approach to research to technology down selection, assessing Office, great reduction in the time and talent
management. The overhead cost is exceptionally the risk and making hard choices in research invested in administration can be realised.
low and the quality of the day-to-day and hands- investments. It has taught them to expect
on interventions is very, very high. We found that the obstacles that arise in realising concepts What we most admired, and considered
a much lower level of Commission intervention and opportunities in performing hardware the critical success factor, in the Clean Sky
would be warranted, given the dedication of within a cost-schedule framework. We have programme was the evidence we encountered
the JU to ensuring that the research plans are recommended that the Clean Sky JU take everywhere of “the will to make it work”. The
consistent with the societal objectives of the on a leadership role in stimulating the next Clean Sky 1 Closing Forum was clearly a family
public funding contribution. We look forward generation of bright young minds to join the celebration and we hope that Eric Dautriat’s
to the evolution of this research programme aeronautics community. successor as the inspirational and charismatic
structure from its current focus on the leader of the Clean Sky JU will soon be in place.
demonstrators to the complete management We observed that the specific management
of the European Community investment instruments to monitor the most significant We have many people to thank for their
in aeronautics research. The aspiration to aspects of a programme like Clean Sky, thoughtful and constructive contribution
coordinate with member states’ national for which mere grant administration is to our humble efforts but our ‘honourable
research funding to achieve synergy in their inadequate, are not available to the JU. And mention’ goes to Francky Callewaert in
priority setting should also not be out of reach. the European Commission policy of making RTD-H3 and to Professor Michaël Dooms of
IT infrastructure uniform across a broad range the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, our team leader.
The research entities in the aerospace industry of funding instruments is averse to realising They kept the light at the end of tunnel shining
are mature partners and the current level improved insight in the most important for us. We are honoured to have been chosen
of European integration in the Clean Sky metrics. Technologies, not beneficiaries, are for this challenging assignment.
4 Skyline 23 | October 2017
CLEAN SKY WORKING WITH MEMBER
STATES AND REGIONS
Bruno Mastantuono
Legal Manager & Strategy Advisor, Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
W e are happy to repor t that good
progress is being made by Clean Sky
regarding synergies with European Structural
The dimension of synergies emerged in the
debate on ‘Green Aviation and financing of R&I
after 2020’ which took place on 27 September
their capabilities and potential to grow by pooling
resources in the growing aviation sector linked to
Clean Sky’s research and industrial agenda.
and Investment Funds (ESIF) and regional in Brussels. In this debate, the issue of post-
cooperation. We are now starting to see 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework budget Therefore, it is essential to continue the effort
the first impacts of the 13 Memoranda of constraints was raised, and the need to foster on communicating and sharing best practices
Understanding (MoU) Clean Sky has signed cooperation with Member States and Regions among Regions, an example being the successful
so far with Member States and Regions, in pooling resources on more coordinated R&I workshop with Member States and Regions
with a number of dedicated ESIF calls and investments was clearly highlighted. The event organised in July by the JU with over 50 delegates
instruments designed by the Regions to allow also saw the very welcome announcement by attending, as well as a number of regional info
direct support to complementary projects the Czech Republic’s Deputy Minister of Industry days and local workshops taking place with
to Clean Sky 2 and an increasing number of Tomáš Novotný of the launch by the end of 2017 stakeholders and regional authorities.
projects being funded by ESIF. of an ESIF national call on synergies with Clean
Sky, as a result of the MoU signed with the Czech At strategic level, with the ongoing preparation
Some interesting cases to note include the Republic in March 2016. This call will build on the of the future Framework Programme it is crucial
European Regional Development Fund Czech Republic’s fast-growing aviation sector to continue building on the experience and
mechanism launched before the summer by which is contributing to jobs and growth, and it is knowledge acquired so far, bearing in mind the
Andalucía Region to promote international R&I expected to show additional leverage brought by clear recommendation by the Pascal Lamy High
projects, with a reserved budget to support Clean Sky and encourage more Czech businesses Level Group Report on FP9 calling for a deeper
proposals with a CSJU evaluation and synergy toward European programmes and cooperation. cooperation on synergies in the future Framework
label certification. Another example is the Programme. Building on the increasing MoU
Portuguese national call ‘PT2020’ promoted by A number of Regions are still waiting to join Clean framework and Clean Sky’s growing network of
Portugal’s National Innovation Agency to support Sky via MoU, with the Greek Region of Sterea Ellada ‘aviation regions’, a more structured framework
R&I projects, demos and pilot lines including being the next to sign in November 2017. Talks of cooperation could be proposed and designed
complementarities with Clean Sky: in fact CSJU are underway with Polish national and regional well before the start of a possible continuation of
contributed to the evaluation of the identified authorities such as the Aviation Podkarpackie the journey under Clean Sky 3…
complementary proposals. Finally, it is worth Region to build on successful membership
mentioning Occitanie’s regional aeronautics call applications by Polish industry, research and At policy and legislative level, it is clear that a
‘Readynov’, which mentioned Clean Sky among academia in Clean Sky 2 and consider further friendlier regulatory framework is needed to
its scope and objectives and under which some capabilities via ESIF support. The active MoU foster synergies, including a revision of state aid
proposals were identified as related to Clean Sky cooperation with countries like Czech Republic rules. In the near future, a more systemic approach
topics. The JU contributed to these evaluations and Romania, and the expected involvement to developing synergies could be fostered at
too, sharing the Occitanie region’s aim to identify of Poland, has the potential to show how JTIs an upstream level by establishing links where
more local SMEs capable of contributing to Clean like Clean Sky can play a role in fostering further relevant with a JTI already in the programming
Sky’s research agenda, and to analyse possible interest and participation in H2020 among the EU- phase within the national or regional ‘Operational
exploitation of the proposed technologies 13. Clean Sky has the potential to be a key factor Programmes’, and indicating clear actions and
through collaboration with Clean Sky’s Leaders. in bridging the innovation gap in Europe and commitments to assure timely and consistent
involving stakeholders of these countries in a truly technical contributions to the future Clean Sky
The intermediate results of the JU’s action European collaborative programme, building on research agenda.
plan clearly show potential for much wider
and deeper cooperation with Member States Visit http://cleansky.eu/structural-funds-and-regions to learn more about our ongoing
and Regions on synergies with both ESIF and work with Member States and Regions.
national funds. More than 50 Regions have
indicated aeronautics, clean mobility and
correlated areas to Clean Sky (e.g. advanced
manufacturing, systems, clean technologies,
smart and integrated transport etc.) among
their smart specialisation priorities. This sets
the scene for a much wider action in this
field to pool resources and achieve more
coordinated investments and efforts in R&I
by the EU, Member States and Regions.
Skyline 23 | October 2017 5
WHY EARLY INVOLVEMENT OF
CERTIFICATION MATTERS TO ACHIEVE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OBJECTIVES
Patrick Ky
Executive Director, EASA
T he European aeronautics industry has gone
through a rapid development in the past
decades, placing Europe at a key position in
In the short- to mid-term Clean Sky will be
the incubator and facilitator of the Agency’s
environmental protection and safety research
for research and innovation coordination
and implementation actions, allowing it as
well to simplify and rationalise the access
the global competitive market. This growth programme. Involving EASA, and hence the to EU funding in full alignment with the
and development have been supported by certification process, at very early stages of Commission‘s aviation strategy.
major Research and Innovation programmes. research will strongly support the advent of
Many of these programmes have been co- “ready-to-market” products. Indeed, it is very Although a number of technologies and
financed by the EU’s research framework beneficial that the compliance of safety and issues are already addressed under the
programme as well as by the national aviation environmental protection regulations and Clean Sky 2 public-private partnership, new
research activities of the Member States and standards will already be taken into account opportunities and challenges towards 2020
by industry. as of the research stage. and beyond lie in front of us. Research and
innovation is the main instrument sustaining
Lighthouse projects in this context are The steering of, and early involvement in and further developing the high level of
the Joint Technology Initiatives SESAR and Europe’s aviation research programmes will environmental protection and safety of the
Clean Sk y. On one hand, SESAR air transport system and maintaining
modernises the European ATM (air the global competitiveness throughout
traffic management) system by new the whole supply chain. For instance,
or improved technologies, and on future aircraft types will rely on complete
the other hand, Clean Sky develops digitalisation in designing, manufacturing,
breakthrough technologies, systems operation etc. which requires a completely
and aircraft configurations, which newly-adapted set of regulations to be
significantly contribute to the developed, possibly leading also to a
development of an environmentally- competition between regulators.
friendly air transpor t system of
the future. This is an area where EASA could imagine
an even closer collaboration with Clean
Both initiatives are of great relevance Sky in the future to bring things together
to the Agency’s objectives ensuring and find and develop joint solutions for
a high level of aviation safety and future issues. Positioning Europe at a high
environmental protection in Europe. level in a global competiveness calls for an
Co ns e q u e nt l y, E A SA si g n e d a equally competitive funding of research
Memorandum of Cooperation with both Clean help to put EASA in the position to conduct and innovation aligning with the funding of
Sky and SESAR to establish a coordinated certification in a timely and efficient manner. the global competitors. Future EU research
exchange of information on the definition and On the other hand, reasonably developed and innovation programmes like FP9 should
implementation of their technical objectives, regulations are a powerful instrument to aim at a common strategic approach bringing
programmes and plans. This will enable the stimulate innovation research in a way all stakeholders, industry, research institutes,
development of a strategic cooperation to comply with the newest standards, universities, and regulators closer together.
process and the creation of synergies. push for the development of novel and A new form of PPP concept on aviation
unique technologies and operations, and research and innovation should be envisaged
The balance of Clean Sky 2’s environmental simultaneously well position innovative that would involve the European regulator
target with mobility and competitiveness products on the competitive market. upstream within the governance and embrace
objectives of EU policy opens up a wide range the current scope of SESAR, Clean Sky and
of interaction between Clean Sky and EASA in The development of an EU innovation other collaborative research and innovation
the field of environmental protection as well policy for future markets should also foresee actions. In this or another configuration, EASA
as safety issues. The extension of the Call for opportunities for regulators and the research is ready to take its role as an active facilitator
Proposals beyond the focussed topics to cover community to work in partnership smoothing on aviation research and innovation, making
more upstream research addressing thematic the way for new technologies to a global international cooperation a trademark of
topics and innovation will be an excellent competitive market. EASA is well-positioned Europe’s research and innovation activities.
instrument to broaden Clean Sky 2’s horizon to federate the future research and innovation
and is strongly welcomed by EASA. system by developing new instruments Learn more: https://www.easa.europa.eu/
6 Skyline 23 | October 2017
SHIFT2RAIL AND CLEAN SKY:
PART OF THE MULTIMODAL AND
COMPETITIVE FUTURE EU TRANSPORT
Carlo Borghini
Executive Director, Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking
T he Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R
JU) was established in 2014 as a public-
private partnership in order to promote
bringing together different stakeholders to
collaborate, coordinate innovation efforts, and
exchange expertise. In addition, as platforms
(including autonomous) for controlling and
managing the train and the network, and looks
to the innovation as well as benchmarking
competitiveness and attractiveness of the the JUs offer opportunities for SMEs, Research within the latest state-of-the-art avionics
European railway system through increasing Centres, and Universities to join the research guidance and communication systems.
and defragmenting the investment in research and innovation activities and to build and
and innovation (R&I). The S2R JU is an EU consolidate new long-term relationships with S2R is also working on improved IT solutions
body contributing to smart and sustainable the industries. S2R and Clean Sky also share that can be used cross-industry and that will
growth and its R&I actions aim at fostering some of their key members such as Thales, help to provide passengers with smart and
the achievement of a Single European Railway Aernnova Aerospace and Tecnalia Fundacion. personalised services for a seamless journey.
Area. The S2R objectives are measured against The development of a truly multimodal IT
the following key performance indicators: S2R and Clean Sky have synergies resulting infrastructure across different transport modes
doubling of railway capacity; increasing not only from their common traits as Joint (i.e. urban and regional rail, air transport, road
reliability and punctuality by as much as 50%; Undertakings, but also from their innovation transport, cycling and walking) will further
and halving the life-cycle cost of railway. The projects aiming to achieve similar objectives. facilitate the development of compatible
vision of the S2R Partnership is to deliver, technical solutions.
through railway research and innovation, S2R may benefit from technology transfer
the capabilities to bring about the most related to new materials knowhow, such as Furthermore, and more generally, both
sustainable, cost-efficient, high-performing, the use of composite material in structural Joint Undertakings have common technical
time driven, digital and competitive customer applications. This is the case with advanced transversal targets: for example, they both
centred transport mode for Europe. techniques from the aeronautical industry work to reduce produced and perceived noise
and, more specifically, with the transfer levels. While both Joint Undertakings have a
Clean Sky's mission, similarly to Shift2Rail’s, of knowledge from Clean Sky innovative significant number of synergies, each performs
centres around environment, sustainability, technologies related to use, production and its work under its own specificities in order to
comp etitiveness and mobilit y. B oth maintenance of such materials. Research deliver tailor-made solutions for the benefit of
programmes offer innovative market-driven around new materials also targets the its ultimate customer, the European citizens.
solutions to improve and contribute to reduction of the manufacturing and operating
the leadership of the European transport costs and this is a part of both the innovation T he f uture of Europ ean transp or t is
sector in the global market. As in Clean Sky, programmes of S2R and Clean Sky. multimodal. S2R and Clean Sky, by exploiting
demonstration activities are a priority within each other’s strengths, are set to bring
S2R, as they enable the entire rail sector to Another example of synergies and potential about the innovations necessary to ensure
visualise and concretely test, in operational transfer of knowledge is the work on the interoperability at all levels of the future
environments, the change they are able to modularity concept of the space inside the European transport system.
bring about. The S2R Technical Demonstrators aircraft or the rail coach. Moreover, S2R is
(TDs), up to TRL 7, help provide a first estimate working on the next generation system Learn more: https://shift2rail.org/
of the anticipated potential for sector
improvement (at regional, national and EU
transport network levels) resulting from the
developed innovations. Through a mechanism
of a systems approach, S2R quantifies the
impact of TDs and works in a collaborative
approach towards innovation, breaking down
possible silos between subsystems.
As both S2R and Clean Sky are ‘joint’ initiatives
– meaning they are working not only with the
public but also industrial stakeholders – they
generate important leverage effects: e.g. every
euro invested in research and innovation by
the S2R industry members is met by no more
than 45 cents of taxpayers’ monies. The S2R
JU, just like Clean Sky, functions as a platform
Skyline 23 | October 2017 7
SESAR AND THE DIGITALISATION
OF AVIATION’S INFRASTRUCTURE
Valeria Fascione
RegionalGuillermet
Florian Minister for Innovation, Startups and Internationalization
CampaniaDirector,
Executive Region,SESAR
Italy Joint Undertaking
E uropean aviation has been at the forefront
of innovation for many decades. Some
might think that our industry has reached
wings”, not to mention balloons or even sub-
orbital aircraft. All these vehicles are edging in,
claiming their share of the skies. This is nothing
innovations will continue to be delivered,
accelerating the pace of change towards
policy and master planning objectives in line
its zenith and that it is now just a matter of short of a new frontier in aviation and a major with the EU Aviation Strategy and with aviation
operating and fine tuning the system. Florian breakthrough, which will unlock tremendous stakeholders’ needs towards 2035 and beyond.
Guillermet, Executive Director, SESAR Joint value and new avenues for innovation.
Undertaking doesn’t share this belief. He sees Ultimately, SESAR will ensure that aircraft
the opportunity and potential for the aviation The services relating to the transport of become active and efficient nodes in the
industry to soar to even greater heights. The key passengers or goods are evolving. Tomorrow’s aviation ecosystem. That’s why SESAR focuses
to unlocking this potential is digitalisation. In passengers will not make choices based on research on aircraft flight management,
this article, he explains how SESAR is harnessing loyalty to any one airline, but primarily on their communications, navigation and surveillance
digital technologies to transform the European mobility needs. They expect to get from A to systems, including aircraft safety systems like
aviation and air traffic management systems B, door to door with minimal fuss. With a few TCAS and ACAS to ensure essential coordination
and infrastructure. swipes of their smartphone, they can compare with ground systems and people. More recently,
the best available offers and options and this research has been extended to cover
50 years ago European leaders anticipated then order the transport package that suits autonomous vehicles, such as drones, thereby
that the development of commercial aviation them best. But air services are growing well ensuring safe and seamless air travel, transport
was about to literally take off and to change beyond what is air transport today with “last- and leisure, no matter how you choose to fly or
the world forever. With it would come new mile air delivery” projects for the fast growing transport goods in the future!
opportunities and challenges requiring e-commerce, aerial surveillance services
individual States to go beyond their own for infrastructure energy, agriculture and A driver of this new era for aviation is also the
national interests and to team up on very tomorrow, most probably, urban air mobility. strong cooperation between SESAR and Clean
strategic and ambitious decisions. Sky. Under our Memorandum of Cooperation,
In SESAR, we anticipate that the underlying we are ensuring that both programmes are
These decisions would bring together the aviation infrastructure and its future operations consistent and focused on synergies between
brightest minds from across the continent capabilities, collectively known as the air traffic our respective and distinct areas of expertise.
to build extraordinary aircraft and gradually management system, will evolve just like the This avoids any overlapping or duplicate of
the tools and operating environment to rest of the air transport and aviation value effort and allows SESAR to forge ahead with
make them fly. The launch of the A300 and chain. Of course, this will be driven by demand, this digital transformation of aviation and
subsequent creation of Airbus is a case in but as well by technology becoming available Clean Sky to push for even greater energy
point. These decisions led to what aviation is e.g. internet of things, big data, artificial efficiency in vehicle performance. As such the
today, the lifeblood of our economy, the key to intelligence and quantum computing. Our cooperation will bring benefits to the overall
mobility in Europe and a driver of connectivity programme is exploiting investment in these air transport and aviation system.
with the rest of the world technologies and in 2016 we delivered a first
set of tech solutions for which deployment Read more about SESAR and the digital
But the world of aviation is changing, plans are underway. With these solutions, we transformation:
starting with the aircraft itself. In the not-so- have set in motion the digital transformation www.sesarju.eu/news/20170616/
distant future, air vehicles are set to become of aviation, enabling better information digitalising-europes-aviation-
more autonomous, more connected, more sharing and synchronisation, and the infrastructure
intelligent. That’s not all: there will be all sorts delivery of a high-performing aviation and
of new vehicles, drones or should we call air traffic management system, and aviation Read about SESAR solutions:
them “flight management computers with safety professionals. With SESAR 2020, new www.sesarju.eu/activities-solutions
8 Skyline 23 | October 2017
FUEL CELLS AND HYDROGEN
SOLUTIONS FOR CLEAN TRANSPORT
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking
T he need to decarbonise transport and reduce
fossil fuels dependency is incontestable.
Climate and energy policies are among the
a very simple chemical reaction between
oxygen and a fuel. This provides electricity
to power electrical engines and devices. One
as well. An electrified flight using hydrogen
was already tested in Germany 1. The small
passenger plane was powered by a hydrogen
most prominent priorities in Europe’s Energy of the advantages of fuel cells, compared to fuel cell, aided by a battery during take-off.
Union strategy. The European Union tackles its combustion engines, is its silent operating
decarbonisation goals via, among others, the mode. There are no moving parts, unlike in The FCH JU supported project HYCARUS 2
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking a combustion engine, and thus no noise is develops a Generic Fuel Cell System in order to
(FCH JU). This Joint Undertaking is a public- produced. This mitigates another transport power non-essential aircraft applications such
private partnership between industry, research challenge - noise pollution. as a galley in a commercial aircraft or to be
organisations and the European Union, used as a secondary power source on-board
represented by the European Commission. It Why hydrogen? business jets. It addresses the global concern
aims at accelerating the deployment of fuel cell of European airlines and business jet operators
and hydrogen technologies by implementing Fuel cells can be fed with different fuels. The to find alternative sources to power non-
a strategic programme under the European most promising fuel is hydrogen for numerous propulsive aircraft systems in order to lower
Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme. So far, reasons. It is the most abundant chemical environmental impact and address future
203 projects have been funded by the FCH JU, element in the universe and is considered an emission regulations. In the near future, the
with an EU contribution of over €730 million. energy carrier. It can be produced in a carbon- FCH JU aims at further developing hydrogen
free way using renewable energy sources such fuel cell applications in aviation, by supporting
The technology constitutes a significant as wind or solar. Greenhouse gas emissions auxiliary power units to power aircraft during
opportunity to move away from fossil fuels in are completely avoided when producing taxiing at the airport. This will contribute to
the energy and transport sectors. Fuel cells are hydrogen from renewable sources. Hydrogen lower pollution and noise levels at airports.
versatile and have a wide range of potential uses. powered fuel cells produce no harmful tailpipe
Typical applications being developed are for emissions; the only emission is water vapour. The FCH JU contributes to achieving zero-
transport, including cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, emission transport where fuel cells play a
boats, trams, trains and aeroplanes. As well as Fuel cells and hydrogen in aviation major part. Hydrogen as fuel can be produced
transport, the FCH JU also supports energy from renewables and emits no harmful
applications for heat and power generation and The most advanced applications in transport emissions when used in a fuel cell. Harnessing
renewable energy generation. supported by the FCH JU are buses and cars. the power of renewables while greening
They are fuel cell electric vehicles, offering mobility and the energy system therefore
What is a fuel cell? similar driving range and refuelling time to becomes possible thanks to the power of fuel
their diesel counterparts, with zero harmful cells and hydrogen.
A fuel cell is an efficient conversion technology tailpipe emissions and significantly lower noise
that produces electricity and heat through levels. Electric air mobility is on the uptake Learn more: http://www.fch.europa.eu/
1. CNN, 19 Oct 2016 : The plane that runs on hydrogen and emits only water, http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hy4-fuel-cell-plane/index.html
2. http://www.fch.europa.eu/project/hydrogen-cells-airborne-usage
Skyline 23 | October 2017 9
BREAKTHROUGH BLADE LAMINAR FLOW
DEMONSTRATOR MAKES FIRST FLIGHT
Sébastien Dubois
Project Officer for Large Passenger Aircraft, Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
C lean Sky’s Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft
Demonstrator in Europe (BLADE) project,
led by Airbus, has made its successful maiden
specialist flight-test-instrumentation (FTI)
station has been installed. The extensive
modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft
A key goal of BLADE is to be able to measure
the tolerances and imperfections which can be
present and still sustain laminarity. To this end,
flight. The aircraft flew for 3 hours and 38 took place during the course of a 16-month Airbus will simulate every type of imperfection
minutes on 26 September between Tarbes working party in Tarbes, with the support of in a controlled manner, so that at the end of
and Toulouse in France. BLADE is part of numerous industrial partners across Europe. the campaign the tolerances for building a
Clean Sky’s Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft (SFWA- The first flight marks the kick-off of the BLADE laminar wing will be fully known. The BLADE
ITD) programme within the EU’s research & flight-test campaign to explore the wing’s demonstrator aircraft will perform around 150
innovation vision. characteristics in flight. flight hours in the coming months.
The BLADE project aims to improve aviation’s On the wings, there are hundreds of points to SFWA-ITD has involved a large number of
ecological footprint, through a 50% reduction measure the waviness of the surface to help industrial and academic partners from across
of wing friction and up to 5% lower CO2 Airbus’ engineers ascertain its influence on the whole of Europe. All in all, BLADE features 21
emission. The BLADE demonstrator aircraft, the laminarity – the first time that Airbus has partners from around Europe including Airbus,
Airbus’ A340 Flight Lab, is the first test aircraft used such a testing method on an aircraft. Dassault, Saab, Safran, Aernnova, GKN Aerospace,
in the world to combine a transonic laminar Other ‘firsts’ are the use of infrared cameras Romaero, Asco, and Aritex, as well as SMEs such
wing profile with a true internal primary inside a pod attached to the fin to measure as 5micron, FTI-Engineering, Sertec, and VEW,
structure. wing temperature and the acoustic generator and research bodies like BIAS, DLR, DNW, Eurecat,
which measures the influence of acoustics INCAS, ITAINNOVA, NLR, and ONERA.
On the outside the aircraft is fitted with two on laminarity. There is also an innovative
representative transonic laminar outer-wings, reflectometry system which measures overall Watch the BLADE first flight on Clean Sky’s
while inside the cabin a highly complex deformation in real-time during flight. YouTube channel!
BREAKTHROUGH LAMINAR AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATOR IN EUROPE (BLADE)
Clean Sky is a European Public-Private Joint Undertaking transforming ideas into aircraft reality
WORLD FIRST TRANSONIC LAMINAR WING TESTED IN FLIGHT WITH A TRUE PRIMARY STRUCTURE
2017 FLIGHT
TEST
A full laminar wing improves the ecological footprint of aviation 2016-17
expe
cted
WING INSTALLATION ONTO
lamin
AIRCRAFT A340
50% = 5%
turbulent ar flo
w
laminar
2014-16
A340-300
REDUCTION CO2 EMISSIONS
IN WING FRICTION REDUCTION WING MANUFACTURING
representation of laminar wing
on A340 flying test bed & ASSEMBLY
CHALLENGES COMBINING TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
2014-15
AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE &
MANUFACTURING 2 000 parameters JIGS & TOOLING
2011-15
WING COMPONENTS
6 500 parts MANUFACTURING
& ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY FLIGHT TEST
INSTRUMENTATION
123 flight hours
STRONG SUPPLY CHAIN & SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP
BLADE is accelerating
8 21 € 180 million the industrialisation
European
countries
participating
entities including
budget, with significant
self-investment made by
of future laminar wings
SMEs & Research participants beyond
Centres Clean Sky funding
CLEAN SKY ENABLES COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE & SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
Follow the BLADE story right from the beginning with our infographic!
10 Skyline 23 | October 2017Today’s flight is a landmark
achievement. It culminates
from a truly collaborative
setting involving dozens of
organisations: universities,
research organisations,
companies large and small –
and spanning the full geography
of Europe – who came together
on this journey: a journey led
inspiringly by Airbus through
‘Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft’ in a
decade-long effort.
Ron van Manen
Clean Sky 2 Programme Manager
Skyline 23 | October 2017 11LANDMARK OPEN ROTOR ENGINE UP
AND RUNNING
Jean-François Brouckaert
Project Officer for Engines, Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
T he successful start of the ground tests of
the Contra-Rotating Open Rotor (CROR)
demonstrator was celebrated by Safran on 3
funding of €65 million over the past 8 years.
The construction of the brand-new open-
air facility in Istres, unique in Europe, was
specifically designed for this test with the most
advanced state-of-the-art methods and also
unique in the world.
October in Istres, southern France, on a new supported by the regional authorities.
open-air dedicated test facility. The ceremony, Another 13 projects related mainly to noise
led by Philippe Petitcolin, Chief Executive The project, led by Safran, is in itself prediction and integration aspects of the CROR
Officer of Safran, and Ross McInnes, Chairman an outstanding example of European concept onto short-/medium-range or regional
of the Safran Board of Directors, was attended collaboration under the Clean Sky concept aircraft have also been performed under the Clean
by Clara de la Torre, Director of Transport at of Public-Private Partnership: not only at Sky Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft (SFWA) ITD and the
the European Commission's Directorate- the level of large industrial partners like Regional Aircraft (REG) ITD. It is worth mentioning
General for Research and Innovation; Stéphane GKN, Avio Aero, Leonardo or Airbus, all of that substantial progress has been achieved in
Bouillon, Prefect of the Provence-Alps-Côte whom were involved in the studies and aeroacoustic design methods for high-speed
d'Azur region; François Bernardini, Mayor of development of major components of the propeller blades over the past decade, and
Istres; Philippe Maurizot, regional councillor; engine prototype, but equally at the level of confirmed by numerous wind-tunnel tests on
and Clean Sky representatives including Tiit the 26 sub-projects under SAGE, involving various configurations, showing that future open
Jürimäe, Interim Executive Director. more than 57 participating entities (SMEs, rotor powered aircraft are expected to produce
research centres, universities), also delivering noise levels compliant with ICAO’s Chapter
The Open Rotor demonstrator is one of hardware to the demonstrator or making new 14 on noise regulations, with potential for further
the flagships of the Clean Sky research developments in terms of design methods and improvements.
p ro g r a m m e, a i m i n g to re d u ce f u e l tools, manufacturing processes, and advanced
consumption and CO₂ emissions by 30% materials and structures. The ground tests will now proceed in the
compared with current CFM56 3 engines. It is coming months, reaching about 100 hours
a major focus of propulsion system research Besides this successful transnational of engine runs, assessing the performance
as a promising solution meeting aircraft cooperation at European scale, the incredible and validating the readiness level of all the
manufacturers' future needs towards 2030. engineering challenge which has been technology bricks which have been developed
The Open Rotor project was part of Clean overcome must be underlined. This engine and engaged to pave the way for a new
Sky’s Sustainable And Green Engines (SAGE) concept features a breakthrough architecture, generation of engines and aircraft beyond 2030.
ITD and started in 2008, representing a total with two counter-rotating, unducted fans,
investment of over €200 million from Safran mounted on large rotating structures inside See the Open Rotor in action on Clean Sky’s
and its partners. Clean Sky’s contribution the propulsion module and driven through YouTube, and visit Safran’s website to read the
covered the engine development for a a differential gearbox by a power turbine, all press release.
After ten years of development
efforts, we are very proud to see the
Open Rotor demonstrator perform
its first ground tests with success.
The Open Rotor marks a major step
forward in the aviation sector, since it
meets two key challenges, namely to
reduce fuel consumption and improve
environmental performance.
Clara de la Torre, Director of Transport
in DG RTD, European Commission
3. CFM56 and LEAP are registered brand names of CFM International, the 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE
12 Skyline 23 | October 2017The Open Rotor is a major
focus of Safran's research. With
the LEAP engine we proved our
ability to develop and integrate
new technologies. Our aim
now is to push our innovation
strategy even further so we
can deliver the best solutions
to the market in timely fashion.
We are currently studying
several paths, both different and
complementary, to develop,
along with our partners in Clean
Sky, the technology building
blocks for propulsion systems
that will significantly improve
performance on tomorrow's
airplanes.
Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran
This day was a real great
moment of sharing, emotion and
pride for the teams of Safran
but also for all our partners who
worked hard with us to make
this Open Rotor demonstration
an unquestionable success!
Nancy Maleo, Safran Research
& Technology Programmes
Skyline 23 | October 2017 13CLEAN SKY AT LE BOURGET 2017
Maria-Fernanda Fau
Advocacy & Communications Manager, Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking
T hank you to everyone who visited Clean
Sky at the Paris International Airshow (Le
Bourget) in June! Clean Sky hosted a joint stand
with the European Commission that showcased
a number of cutting-edge green technologies,
and Clean Sky was also present in the brand-
new Paris Air Lab dedicated to innovation in the
aerospace sector – aptly set against the backdrop
of two Concorde aircraft on permanent display.
The Clean Sky hardware on show included
scale models of the RACER helicopter, BLADE
demonstrator, Open Rotor propellers, Load
Introduction Rib, Power Electronics Module and
the MAESTRO Combustor, and also examples of
hinges and additive laser melted objects.
Throughout the week Clean Sky welcomed
many visitors, including European Commissioner
Pierre Moscovici who inaugurated the European
Commission-Clean Sky joint stand; Director- The European Commission-Clean Sky stand
General for Mobility and Transport Henrik Hololei;
Director of Transport in DG RTD Clara de la Torre;
and MEPs Karima Delli, Anneleen Van Bossuyt,
Renaud Muselier, and Monika Hohlmeier. A
highlight of the week was the panel session
held on Monday afternoon in the Air Lab, ‘Be
part of the EU investment in aviation’, and daily
information sessions were also held at the joint
stand focusing on different projects within Clean
Sky and how to get involved.
You can see all the news, pictures and videos
from the show on our website – we hope you
enjoy them! Panel session: ‘Be part of the EU investment in aviation’
RACER helicopter concept for faster
rotorcraft unveiled at Le Bourget
Guillaume Faury, Airbus Helicopters CEO, unveiled
on Tuesday 20 June the high-speed RACER
helicopter. The project is part of Clean Sky 2’s
Fast Rotorcraft platform.
“Today we unveil our bold vision for the future of
high-speed rotorcraft. This new project, pulling
together the skills and know-how of dozens
of European partners through the Clean Sky
2 initiative, aims to bring increased speed and
range at the right cost, thanks to a simple, safe
and proven aerodynamic formula.”
RACER: the new high-
speed helicopter concept Guillaume Faury, Airbus Helicopters CEO
14 Skyline 23 | October 2017Anneleen Van Bossuyt MEP visits Clean Sky in the Paris Air Lab Commissioner Pierre Moscovici inaugurates the stand
Director-General Henrik Hololei Monika Hohlmeier MEP learns about Karima Delli MEP learns more about Clean Sky
visits Clean Sky the RACER helicopter with Governing Board Chairman Ric Parker
Daily presentation at the stand Renaud Muselier MEP visits the Paris Air Lab
Skyline 23 | October 2017 15NEXT EVENTS
Innovation in 7th Call for
Action at the Proposals
European Parliament coming
Come and meet the seven Joint Undertakings
– BBI, Clean Sky, ECSEL, FCH, IMI, S2R and SESAR
soon!
– at the European Parliament in Strasbourg!
From Monday 23 October until Thursday 26 Che ck Clean Sk y ’s
October, a special exhibition will be taking Tiit Jürimäe, Interim Executive Director of website and social media
place in the Emilio Colombo Gallery, presenting Clean Sky, will speak at the 3rd EU Aeronautics channels over the coming
the European public-private partnerships and Conference on 18 October in Brussels. This year’s weeks as the 7th Call for
their results so far. conference focuses on the theme ‘The European Proposals will soon be
Aeronautics Sector facing growing challenges: announced! This will be
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@
How to drive innovation and competitiveness?’ Clean Sky 2’s biggest call
cleansky_ju), LinkedIn (Clean Sky Joint
Other speakers include representatives from ever, with an indicative
Undertaking) and www.cleansky.eu for
European institutions and the aeronautics funding of more than
live updates.
industry, such as Antonio Tajani, President of €73 million for 73 topics.
the European Parliament; Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-
President of the European Commission; Tom
Enders, CEO of Airbus; and Eric Trappier, ASD
President & CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Aerospace
Europe
CEAS 2017
conference
The 6th CEAS Air & Space
Conference will take place
23-26 OCTOBER 2017
INNOVATION
in Bucharest, Romania, on
16-20 October 2017. The
IN ACTION EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
conference will promote
new visions and trends
STRASBOURG
Save the date! For the first time ever, Clean in aeronautics and space
Sky is hosting an exhibition stand at ILA Berlin science and technology
from 25-29 April 2018, showcasing several on the theme: “European
pieces of innovative hardware developed Aerospace: Quo Vadis?”
Meet the EU’s research and innovation public-private partnerships through the programme. More information Find more information at
coming soon! ceas2017.org
Find us on :
Interim Executive Director: Tiit Jürimäe
Editor : Maria-Fernanda Fau, Advocacy and Communications Manager
The Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking receives funding
under the Horizon 2020 Programme for research and Innovation.
Copyright 2017 - Clean Sky 2 JU - Belgium
Views expressed in this publication do not represent White Atrium, 4th floor, Av. de la Toison d’Or, 56-60
any official position but only those of its author. 1060 Brussels
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