What is the story about?
What's Happening?
ATR is leading two of the 12 projects that have been granted Clean Aviation funding, aiming to fly a hybrid-electric regional aircraft by the end of the decade. The projects will share €945 million in support, including €378 million from the European Union. ATR's flagship HERACLES project will use a 72-600 testbed to define an ultra-efficient hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The initiative supports the Clean Aviation target of up to 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and significantly reduced carbon emissions for next-generation regional aircraft.
Why It's Important?
The funding for ATR's hybrid-electric aircraft projects represents a significant step towards achieving climate neutrality and sustainability in aviation. By developing technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, ATR is contributing to the broader goal of decarbonizing the aviation industry. This effort aligns with global environmental targets and supports the transition to more sustainable transportation solutions.
What's Next?
The selected projects are set to commence at the beginning of next year, with first flight tests envisioned in 2028-2029. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to drive technological advancements in hybrid-electric propulsion systems, potentially influencing future aircraft designs and industry standards.
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