Next-generation Aircraft Development

Next-generation Aircraft Development

Project Summary

Budget

Up to 21.08 billion yen

CO2 Reduction Effect (World)

In 2050
Approximately 390million tons/year

Economic Effect (World)

In 2050
Approximately 1.2 trillion yen/year

Research and Development Targets

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

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.

Assumptions regarding estimates of CO2 reduction effect and economic effect

  • For all aircraft expected to be in operation in 2050, 50% of small- and mid-sized aircraft operating on domestic flights (40% of the total) are expected to be replaced by hydrogen-powered aircraft, while the remaining 50% are expected to be electric-powered.
  • Technology for weight reduction will be used in the design of airframes used for large aircraft on international flights, with the level of fuel efficiency improvement expected to reach 2%.
  • In 2050, CO2 emissions from jet fuel on international and domestic flights are expected to total 1.8 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 developed under this project is expected to be utilized in 20% of the frames and engines used on hydrogen-powered aircraft and 5% of the frames and engines used on other types of aircraft.