Aeronautics

The aviation sector is undergoing a period of deep transformation, driven by the increasingly extensive use of digital and energy technologies that enable both the modernization of traditional flight systems and the development of new concepts for transporting people and goods with zero environmental impact and high safety standards. Alongside the development of medium- and long-range transport aircraft powered by fully electric or hybrid propulsion, the new paradigms of Advanced Air Mobility offer innovative, integrated, multimodal transport and air traffic management solutions capable of improving accessibility and mobility in cities, metropolitan areas, and wider territories (UAM within Mobility as a Service models), as well as enhancing environmental quality, quality of life, and citizen safety.

Leveraging PRORA and participation in national and European programs (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe) focused on green air transport (Clean Sky, Clean Aviation, EDF) and air mobility (SESAR, EDF), CIRA has already acquired significant knowledge and results across various enabling technologies. The developments proposed in the PRORA DM662 update will provide in the coming years an even more substantial capability in terms of technologies, design and simulation tools, and test facilities, strengthening the competitive positioning of the national ecosystem (research, industry, authorities) at the European and international levels.

The area encompasses two thematic domains:

Green Transport Aircraft, focused on developing innovative configurations and technologies for zero-emission aircraft, which, depending on the aircraft size, translate into electric, hybrid, and thermal architectures.

Advanced Air Mobility, focused on developing new paradigms, operational concepts, digital twin tools, technologies, and demonstrators to support the realization of an intermodal, safe, and resilient air transport system centered on the needs of passengers and cargo transport.