Next-generation Aircraft Development

Next-generation Aircraft Development

Project Summary

Budget

Up to 51.68 billion yen

CO2 Reduction Effect (World)

In 2050
Approximately 680million tons

Economic Effect (World)

In 2050
Approximately 2.1 trillion yen

Research and Development Targets

1. Develop core technology indispensable for realizing hydrogen-powered aircraft.
TRL6+

2. For main wings and other important structural components of small and medium-sized aircraft:
① Realize weight reductions of approximately 30% compared to existing alloy composites. Weight reductions of approximately 30%.

② Realize improved strength for complex shapes and integrated moldings and improve design tolerance by a factor of 1.1 to 1.2 times.
③ Realize TRL of at least 6 for items ① and ② above.

3. Realize 4 MW-class fuel cell of electric propulsion system using liquid hydrogen.
Realize TRL of at least 6.
Develop core technologies of hydrogen fuel cell with high power density (3-4 kW/kg).

4. Develop core technologies in electric power control and heat/air management systems.
Improve aircraft electrification rate by modifying relevant equipment.

Assumptions regarding estimates of CO2 reduction effect and economic effect

  • In 2050, domestic flights using small or medium-sized aircraft (40% of the total flights) will be replaced by electric (including hybrid electric), hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen combustion propulsion aircraft, with one third each.
  • Weight reduction and electrification technologies (including hybrid electric) will be introduced to the aircraft of international flights and large-sized aircraft, and that the fuel efficiency improvement effects will be 2% and 8%, respectively.
  • In 2050, CO2 emissions from jet fuel on international and domestic flights are expected to total 2.0 billion CO2t/year.
  • In 2050, demand for new aircraft is expected to consist of approximately 80% for narrow-body aircraft and 20% for wide-body aircraft.
  • 50% of narrow-body aircraft (or 40% of the total) are expected to be hydrogen-powered and the other 50% are expected to be electric-powered.
  • Technology established through this project is expected to be installed in 20% of airframes and engines of hydrogen aircraft and 12% of all other aircraft (5% due to dramatic weight reduction, 7% due to improved electrification rate).