ATR has announced its selection by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation) to lead two initiatives set to redefine the future of low-emission regional aviation.
As part of Clean Aviation’s Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) thrust, ATR will spearhead two development projects aimed at demonstrating the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion, advanced propeller systems and electrified aircraft systems on a regional aircraft. By 2030, ATR aims to fly a hybrid-electric regional aircraft using an ATR 72-600 test bed. This will be made possible through several projects, two of which will be led by ATR, with the support of the European Union, and in collaboration with international industry and research organisations, including Safran and RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
ATR’s flagship project, HERACLES, (Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Concept for Low EmissionS), will define an ultra-efficient regional aircraft concept integrating hybrid-electric propulsion, high-performance batteries, and a thermal engine compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. These technologies will be flight-tested through DEMETRA (Demonstrator of an Electrified Modern Efficient Transport Regional Aircraft), using an ATR 72-600 flying test bed.
These initiatives support Clean Aviation’s strategic goal of achieving up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced carbon emissions for next-generation regional aircraft, targeting an entry into service by 2035. They align with the European Union’s climate ambitions, including the Fit for 55 package and the European Green Deal, and support the decarbonisation ambitions of the aviation industry.
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Image: ATR paves way for next generation of its best-selling aircraft : The ATR “EVO” family to be even more economical and sustainable