EU’s aeronautics research takes a greener flightpath

Over the past 15 years, aeronautics research has received substantial support from EU research framework programmes. The sector, which contributes about 500 billion euro to the EU's economy annually and employs more than three million EU citizens, is viewed as a model for the knowledge-based economy at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy.

Around 400 projects have received funding from the EU. With increasing concerns over the ecological impact of the sector, there has been substantial focus on developing more environmentally-friendly technologies.

SILENCE(R) is a 110-million euro, four-year project aiming to reduce aircraft noise by as much as six decibels by 2008. Technologies being tested include jet-noise suppressors and low-noise fans. Experiments on modifications to aircraft parts, such as wings and landing gear, have also been carried out to reduce noise pollution. An important element of the project is the development of 'hush kits' and next-generation engines that could be fitted into the future Airbus 380 and Boeing 787 super jets. Companies, universities and research institutes are taking part in the project, which falls under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), running from 2007-13 with a total budget of 54.6bn euro, roughly a 60% increase on FP6, will also devote considerable attention to aeronautics research. Public-private partnerships, or joint technology initiatives, will be a key characteristic of the regime.

The Clean Sky project is one such collaboration aiming to create a greener generation of European aircraft. Partners include Rolls-Royce and Thales and they aim to incorporate green features into vehicle design, with engines that deliver drastic reductions of fuel consumption and noxious emissions.

Over the past 15 years, aeronautics research has received substantial support from EU research framework programmes. The sector, which contributes about 500 billion euro to the EU's economy annually and employs more than three million EU citizens, is viewed as a model for the knowledge-based economy at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy.