Open Call: Icing in the Context of Sustainable Aviation

The research and innovation actions focus on the following key areas: Preparation of means of compliance for certification of future sustainable aviation concepts including development of reliable numerical tools for validation against icing environments; development of Supercooled Large Drop (SLD) testing capabilities such as icing wind tunnels or ice tankers; generation of flight-testing open datasets for validation of models and tunnel testing; study of icing environment impacts considering climate change effects; and innovation in new technologies for ice detection and protection encompassing ice crystal and SLD detection, optimization of ice crystal protection, and high efficiency/low energy protection mechanisms suitable for cleaner, more electric airplanes. The call also addresses the development of dissimilar means for air data and angle of attack/speed measurement that are robust against icing threats, and enhanced aircraft performance through improved ice protection health monitoring systems based on smart technologies.

Aircraft icing poses a significant safety concern due to adverse weather conditions, which have become more extreme due to climate change over the past decade. The aviation industry is undergoing a transition to cleaner and more sustainable aviation technologies, necessitating innovative approaches to maintain safety while enabling these advances.

The call seeks research and innovation actions to develop and validate tools and technologies that will support the certification of future sustainable aviation concepts. This includes the creation of reliable numerical simulation tools to validate designs against diverse icing environments, development of advanced testing capabilities such as icing wind tunnels or ice tankers to simulate Supercooled Large Drop (SLD) conditions, and the generation of open flight-testing datasets to aid in validation processes.

Climate change implications on icing environments are also a priority, focusing on understanding and assessing the evolving risks to aviation safety. New technological innovations for ice detection and protection aim to enhance aircraft safety and performance with efficient and low-energy solutions suitable for next-generation electric-powered aircraft. These innovations include active, passive, and hybrid protection technologies such as durable low ice-adhesion coatings and systems to detect and respond to dangerous ice crystal formations.

The call further emphasizes the importance of developing robust air data and angle of attack/speed measurement technologies that remain accurate under icing or hail conditions to improve fault tolerance and reliability of the aircraft systems. Smart monitoring systems for ice protection health are envisaged to provide comprehensive coverage of aircraft parameters, ensuring enhanced safety and operational performance.

Collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other relevant regulatory bodies is highlighted to align research outcomes with ongoing rulemaking and certification actions. The initiative aims to support the development of scientific expertise, prototype technologies, and validated means of compliance necessary for securing the future of safe, sustainable aviation.

The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 4.00 million would allow the outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 4.00 million.

For more information, visit EC.