Advanced noise-reducing technologies for propulsion systems of next generation Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Opened

Programme Category

EU Competitive Programmes

Programme Name

Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU)

Programme Description

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) is a successful public-private partnership between the European Commission and the European aeronautics industry that is on the way to achieving its environmental performance targets.

The Clean Aviation JU will develop disruptive new aircraft technologies to support the European Green Deal, and climate neutrality by 2050. These technologies will deliver net greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of no less than 30%, compared to 2020 state-of-the-art. The technological and industrial readiness will allow the deployment of new aircraft incorporating these technologies no later than 2035, enabling 75% of the world’s civil aviation fleet to be replaced by 2050. The aircraft developed will enable net CO2 reductions of up to 90% when combined with the effect of sustainable ‘drop-in’ fuels, or zero CO2 emissions in flight when using hydrogen as energy source.

Clean Aviation’s aeronautics-related research and innovation activities, focusing on breakthrough technology initiatives, will contribute to the global sustainable competitiveness of the European aviation industry. European aviation research and innovation capacity will be strengthened through the partnership, enabling new and ambitious global standards to be set.

Programme Details

Identifier Code

HORIZON-JU-CLEAN-AVIATION-2026-04-FTA-03

Call

Advanced noise-reducing technologies for propulsion systems of next generation Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Summary

Development and demonstration of advanced noise-reducing and lightweight technologies for UHBR propulsion systems on the Ultra-Efficient SMR aircraft concept. The topic aims to mature distortion-tolerant fan and intake solutions supported by improved and validated aero-acoustic modelling to TRL5 with an aim to achieve cumulative noise reduction and structural weight benefits.

Detailed Call Description

Next-generation low-emission propulsion systems for the future SMR aircraft considered for entry into service (EIS) by 2035 are expected to play a central role in achieving a 30% CO2 emissions reduction at aircraft level, compared to 2020 State of the Art technologies. The engine concepts featuring a UHBR fan architecture introduces a significantly shorter intake geometries, reducing both drag and structural mass for improved performance. These characteristic shorter intakes cause unfavourable flow conditions leading to increased fan noise

Call Total Budget

€5.000.000

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

100% 

The maximum EU contribution for the topic is €5.000.000.
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking may award up to 1 project with funding depending on the outcome of the evaluation and the complementarity of the proposed actions.

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking estimates that an EU contribution up to €5.000.000 would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

The coordinator role shall be limited to the following legal entities:

  • University,
  • Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) or
  • SME (legal entities are advised to confirm their SME status).

Maximum 24 months.

Thematic Categories

  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation
  • Transport

Eligibility for Participation

  • Businesses
  • Educational Institutions
  • Large Enterprises
  • Legal Entities
  • Other Beneficiaries
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Call Opening Date

31/03/2026

Call Closing Date

19/05/2026