More electric, safer and less polluting aircraft

Air traffic has grown over the past 20 years. Forecasts point towards growth rates of 4-5% annually and doubling of the commercial air fleet over the next 20 years. However, the aviation sector is responsible for approximately 20% of CO₂ emissions associated with transport. 

In terms of climate change, international directives propose the target of a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2050. The ACARE (Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe) FlightPath 2050 roadmap assumes challenges, such as the maintenance and extension of industrial leadership, the response to social and market demands or the assurance of safety. The main objective is the 75% reduction in CO₂ emissions, 90% reduction in NO_x emissions and 65% reduction in acoustic emissions.

Energy Efficiency

We are working on and researching technologies aimed at making aircraft more energy efficient and reducing environmental impact through aerodynamic optimisation, innovation in engine efficiency, introduction of new fuels, optimisation of the flight mission profile, etc.

The scale of aircraft is lighter. Travelling ranges, flight heights and speeds are far lower than those for commercial aircraft. This enables us to implement the transformation and new technologies that we are developing to validate the technical and business feasibility. The electrification of systems within the aircraft replaces today's mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems with linear or rotational activation (flight controls, doors, landing gear, brakes, pressurisation systems, anti-icing systems) and the tendency is towards aircraft electric drive.

The advances are aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of aircraft, and include light weighting of current systems, optimisation of maintenance tasks, elimination of fluid handling, optimisation of operating costs and increased safety, controllability and connectivity.

At the Le Bourget Show, we will display our latest advances and technological breakthroughs. We will offer our vision on the electrification of systems for activation, propulsion or electric management, and the implications of these developments on the evolution of the sector towards innovative aircraft.

Visit us at our stand in HALL 1 – F322 www.siae.fr