Demonstration of low power Ice Protection System technology

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-01

Call

Demonstration of low power Ice Protection System technology

Summary

Development and demonstration of a low power Ice Protection System for the wing and empennage of an Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft concept based on hybrid-electric propulsion. The topic covers ground demonstrations to TRL5 representative of EASA CS-25 icing conditions and targets a lightweight and low drag solution compatible with regional aircraft non-propulsive power levels.

Detailed Call Description

Ice Protection Systems are a key enabler for the UERA concept proposed in Clean Aviation SRIA, which is a hybrid-electric turbo-propeller concept of more than 50 pax, aiming at 30% CO2 emissions reduction at aircraft level, compared to 2020 State of the Art aircraft, and with aircraft EIS expected by 2035. This aircraft concept, expected to remain tube and wing, is powered by an innovative wingmounted powerplant with hybrid-electric capability based on batteries. The airframe will include advanced wing and empennage designs for low weight and low drag, based on technologies such as advanced materials, laminar aerodynamics or advanced flight controls.

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)

Eligibility For Participation Notes

A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Call Opening Date

31/03/2026

Call Closing Date

19/05/2026