CALL: Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 02 (HORIZON-SESAR-2023-DES-ER-02)

Programme: Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON)

Call:Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 02 (HORIZON-SESAR-2023-DES-ER-02)

Type of Action: HORIZON-JU-RIA HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

Type of MGA: HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG]

Deadline Model: single-stage

Planned Opening Date: 29 June 2023

Deadline Date: 15 November 2023 17:00:00 Brussels time.

Topic Description:

ExpectedOutcome:

Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes.

• Environment: the proposed solutions are expected to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of a 55 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, from a gate-to-gate perspective, by introducing new concepts enabling proper modelling of non-CO₂ emissions and their impact on optimum green trajectories, taking into account the expected interoperability with new entrants (i.e. U-space flights). The objective is not only limited to foster greenhouse gases reduction but also to reduce noise and air pollution;
• Capacity: the proposed solutions are expected to rely on high automation to reduce controller workload to improve capacity, which will then allow optimal and environmentally-friendly flight trajectories;
• Cost-efficiency: saving fuel for airspace users will reduce CO₂ emissions and related costs for emission allowances.

Scope:

The European Green Deal has set the objective of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. To achieve this objective it is required to accelerate the shift to smarter and more sustainable mobility. The challenge is to achieve zero inefficiencies due to ATM by 2040: this means not only eliminating inefficiencies in the current system but also in the design and execution of the future ATM and U-space architecture. Proposals shall define and develop innovative solutions that could cover a wide variety of aspects e.g., operational measures that could be put in place to improve the fuel efficiency of flights, speeding up the modernisation of the air infrastructure to offer more capability and capacity and therefore offering more efficient trajectories, adapting the charging scheme to incentivise environmentally friendly operations, etc. The scope covers as well innovative ideas to accelerate decarbonisation of ATM and reduce the CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions, through the integration of energy, transport and digitalisation platforms that are at the base of the green transition.

The SESAR 3 JU has identified the following innovative research elements that could be used to meet the challenge described above and achieve the expected outcomes. The list is not intended to be prescriptive; proposals for work on areas other than those listed below are welcome, provided they include adequate background and justification to ensure clear traceability with the R&I needs set out in the SRIA for the aviation Green Deal flagship.

• Atmospheric physics for aviation (non-CO₂) emissions, noise and air quality pollutants. 

• Noise and air quality pollutants. 
• Comparative study on potential metrics to be adopted in the ATM domain to aggregate non-CO₂ and CO₂ impacts on climate change. 
• Atmospheric physics for aviation (extreme weather events). Environmental impact assessment methodology and new metrics. 
• Development of the environmental performance-monitoring toolkit to include new entrants. Impact of zero-emission aircraft on ATM. 
• New forms of air traffic management. 

Further Information: [email protected]