Blue sky thinking

Abstract

Europe's Clean Sky aeronautics research project is expected to secure 50% public funding to decrease the impact of air transport on the environment. Aviation is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide in the UK. The seven-year project will address the environmental and noise impact of aviation through aircraft technology, frame design, aerodynamics, engine, materials, and the manufacturing process. Members of Clean Sky include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter, Rolls-Royce, Safran, Thales, Alenia Aeronautica, Agusta Westland and Liebherr-Aerospace. The group has been formed through the European Commission's major new instrument in FP7, the Joint Technology Initiative. Research will be conducted to develop technology to meet the goals set by the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE). These include a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, an 80% decrease in NOx emissions and a 50% reduction in external noise.