The European FASTER H2 project aims to foster climate neutrality in the aviation sector
GAIKER Technology Centre, a member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance, BRTA, is one of the thirty-four participants in the European FASTER H2 project (Fuselage, Rear Fuselage and Empennage with Cabin and Cargo Architecture Solution Validation and Technologies for H2 integration), which aims to validate, pre-select, develop and demonstrate key technologies that enable the architectural integration of an ultra-efficient fuselage for short and medium range (SMR) hydrogen-fueled aircraft.
From a climate perspective, to make climate-neutral flights possible, short and medium-range aircraft, i.e. 150-250 passengers and 1,800-2,700 km, need to focus on ultra-efficient thermal energy-based propulsion technologies using sustainable drop-in and non-drop-in fuels, in this case hydrogen. To achieve climate neutrality in the sector, it is essential to integrate the fuel tanks and distribution system and to use sustainable materials for the fuselage and empennage.
For this purpose, the FASTER H2 project is exploring new advanced production technologies to design an integrated fuselage and empennage. By doing so, it aims to reduce aircraft production waste and increase material and energy exploitation.
Thermoset composites are one of the commonly used materials in the aeronautical sector due to their light weight, efficiency and safety, but they need to be improved in terms of sustainability in order to reduce their environmental footprint throughout their life cycle. GAIKER is working on this improvement by formulating bio and/or recyclable systems for the infusion and production of prepregs. These resins will then be used in the production of sustainable composites to build aircraft.
The FASTER H2 project is funded by the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe Clean Aviation programme (R&D grants for green improvements in the aeronautical sector), over a period of 39 months (2023-2026) and it is led by Airbus Operations GmbH.
More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjQTZYN4Wj0
The project is supported by Clean Aviation. It is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101101978. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Aviation. Neither the European Union nor Clean Aviation can be held responsible for them.
