Rolls-Royce will lead an EU Clean Aviation project to demonstrate hybrid-electric propulsion technology for future short- and medium-range aircraft.
Rolls-Royce Deutschland has been selected to lead ELEVATED, one of 19 projects supported under the latest Clean Aviation call. The EU’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is a research and innovation programme focused on developing technologies to reduce aviation emissions and support the transition towards climate-neutral flight.
The ELEVATED consortium will integrate a hybrid-electric subsystem into a donor gas-turbine engine and test it under representative operating conditions. The technology is targeting a potential 20% reduction in aircraft-level CO₂ emissions.
The project will also assess the application of hybrid-electric technology to the UltraFan 30 narrowbody technology demonstrator, supporting development towards Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6).
Partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK will contribute expertise covering hybridisation, electrical machines and drives, engine integration, high-voltage systems and aircraft integration.
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The wider Clean Aviation Call 4 projects will receive up to €290 million in EU funding, with combined public and private investment of about €664 million.
Rolls-Royce plans to begin ground testing of the UltraFan 30 in 2028.
