Rolls-Royce has been chosen by the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme to lead one of 12 new projects aiming to decarbonise aviation. These initiatives, which include new aircraft concepts and innovative propulsion technologies, will receive funding of around €945m.
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) is the European Union’s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate neutral future.
The UNIFIED consortium is led by Rolls-Royce and contains key industrial, academic and research partners across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Subject to successful completion of grant preparation, the project will enable ground testing of an UltraFan technology demonstrator at a short to medium range thrust class for future narrowbody aircraft and also enable the preparation of key activities towards future flight test of the UltraFan architecture.
Alan Newby, director of research and technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are delighted that Rolls-Royce has been selected to lead the UNIFIED project. This recognition underscores once again our commitment to reshape aviation and further reduce its environmental impact.
“UltraFan provides ultra-efficient and credible technology for future narrowbody applications and within UNIFIED we will demonstrate that we have the relevant, next-generation capability ready to deliver best-in-class performance in thrust, fuel burn, noise, emissions and durability.”