Next-generation Aircraft Development
Budget and 2050 Target Outcomes
- Budget
Up to51.08B¥
- CO2Reduction Effect
Approx.640Mt
- Economic Effect
Approx.2.1T¥
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Project Overview
Although the global aviation industry was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it had recovered to 2019 levels by 2024.
Beyond that, driven by economic growth in emerging countries and other factors, the industry is projected to record sustainable annual growth of around 3%. Hence, the aircraft industry is poised to continue this rise.
Meanwhile, at the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly in October 2022, the long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 was adopted for the international aviation sector, reflecting the rapidly increasing demand for decarbonization. In response, major OEM manufacturers, particularly in Europe and the U.S., are further pursuing technologies to reduce the weight and improve the efficiency of airframes and engines, as well as developing electric aircraft.
In addition, following Airbus' announcement that it plans to introduce a carbon-neutral aircraft by 2035, the competition to develop hydrogen aircraft has intensified.
Our project aims to increase the participation rate in international collaborative development of airframes and engines (currently running at about 20% to 30% of the global aviation sector) and contribute to the decarbonization of the entire sector. We will focus on developing core technologies and systems for hydrogen-powered aircraft (hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells), developing complex shapes and significant weight reduction for key aircraft structural components, and advancing technologies to increase electrification.
Project Features
Development of core technologies for hydrogen aircraft
The aim of this project is to develop aircraft engine combustors and hydrogen fuel storage tanks suitable for hydrogen combustion with a tank weight less than twice that for stored hydrogen fuel. In addition, the structure of hydrogen aircraft will be analyzed via testing to confirm the concept of aircraft with a cruising range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers.
Development of primary aircraft structures with complex shapes and dramatically reduced weight
With regard to the main wings and other important structural components for small and medium-sized aircraft introduced after 2035, the aim of this project is to achieve the following: 1. Weight reduction of approximately 30% compared to existing aluminum alloy components (weight reduction of approximately 10% when compared to existing composite components), and 2. Strength improvement of 1.1 to 1.2 times the design distortion tolerance to support complex shapes and integral molding and realize further improvements in fuel efficiency.
Development of Fuel Cell Electric Propulsion Systems Using Liquid Hydrogen Fuel and Core Technologies
The aim of this project is to develop a 4 MW-class electric propulsion system powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells. The system will integrate advanced technologies and expertise from various fields into each component. Alongside technical development, the project includes participation in international standardization activities and the formulation of safety strategies and frameworks required for certification.
The project also involves the development of core technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell materials with significantly enhanced heat resistance and durability for aircraft applications.
Development of Technology for Power Control and Thermal and Air Management Systems
The aim of this project is to develop for power control and thermal and air management systems, which are essential for the electrification of aircraft. These include core technologies such as a generator with an output of over 1 MW, capable of supporting hybrid electric propulsion systems, and an electric turbomachine equipped with a gas bearing motor for aircraft that delivers one of the world’s highest outputs. At the same time, we will establish an integrated system that combines these technologies.