Overview
The aviation sector is on a path to addressing its impacts on the environment and climate. Improving the sector’s environmental performance is high on the agenda, and the EU is investing in key technologies and processes to make zero-emission aircraft a reality. Regional aviation is expected to bring new, innovative approaches to aircraft and air transport operations. Air vehicles flying distances of less than 500 km (regional connections) will benefit from hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. In this context, the EU-funded HERWINGT project will develop key technologies to address a new wing design for a hybrid electric regional aircraft. It will conduct the manufacturing, assembly, structural concepts and processes, concept studies, configuration and architecture trade-offs for a full wing component.
The project aims to develop key technologies to address a new wing design for a HER (Hybrid Electric Regional) aircraft, maturing up to TRL5 (Technology Readiness Level 5). The activities encompass various aspects including manufacturing, assembly, structural concepts and processes, concept studies, configuration and architecture trade-offs for a full wing component. As part of the physical demonstration concept, the focus will be on the detail design and manufacturing of relevant components for the centre wing section of the HER Aircraft. Specific areas of study and development include:
- Conceptual wing studies: Exploration of configuration and architecture trade-offs for the full wing, encompassing structural arrangement, systems allocation and disposition, and flight control system.
- Full wing structural arrangement mock-up: Development of innovative wing concepts through the creation of a mock-up that represents the structural arrangement of the full wing. This involves conducting Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization studies to define the optimal structural configuration.
- Demonstration platform - Centre section: The centre section of the wing will serve as a demonstration platform, focusing on key elements such as the wingbox, high lift devices, control surfaces, and load alleviation devices
These efforts aim to advance the wing design technology for HER aircraft, enabling improved performance, efficiency, and sustainability while considering cost-effective manufacturing and assembly methods.