Demonstration of an Optimized System Platform for Ultra-efficient SMR Aircraft

Overview

Funding for the development and ground demonstration of an optimized systems platform for next-generation ultra-efficient small modular reactor (SMR) aircraft, integrating high-performance computing, electrical power, and data architectures to achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) with a pathway to certification and entry into service by 2035.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in eligible countries, including private companies, research organizations, universities, and public bodies. Single applicants are not permitted.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 60,000,000 EUR
• Funding rate: Not specified (refer to Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes for applicable rates)
• Total budget: Not specified

What Is Funded

• Development and integration of a unified systems platform for ultra-efficient SMR aircraft, combining high-performance computing, electrical power, and data architectures.
• Ground demonstration at TRL6 validating performance, safety, and cybersecurity.
• Advanced functions such as active control, hybridisation, and predictive maintenance.
• Pathways to Certification Readiness Level 4 (CRL4) and future maturation toward aircraft integration.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Proposals must target TRL4 to TRL6, with a ground demonstration required at TRL6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-03-30
• Deadline: 2026-05-18T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposal templates and financial annexes will be available in the submission system by late March 2026.
• Evaluation follows Horizon Europe and Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) criteria, with an indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement provided in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements outlined in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
• Specific evaluation criteria and thresholds are detailed in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
• Applicants are advised to monitor the Funding & Tenders Portal for updates to proposal templates and Q&A documents.