Sustainable aircraft circular design and additive manufacturing, towards a climate neutral aviation

Overview

Supports the development of sustainable aircraft circular design and additive manufacturing (AD/AM) for high-value components, targeting industrial use cases that enhance energy efficiency, reduce critical raw material use, and improve repairability. Intended for consortia advancing system demonstration to deployment-stage innovations in aviation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, Associated Countries, and select third countries with specific funding provisions. Participation of industry, research organizations, and academia is expected.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 13,500,000 EUR per project.
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.
• Co-funding requirements follow Horizon Europe rules (typically 100% for non-profit entities, 70% for others).

What Is Funded

• Additive manufacturing (AD/AM) of aircraft and engine structural components using metals, high-performance polymers, and composites.
• Circular design processes for individual high-value components, including joining technologies, maintenance, and repair innovations.
• Real-time condition monitoring and inspection methods to optimize repairability and extend aircraft lifetime.
• Recovery and recycling of high-quality materials to support sustainability goals.
• Industrial use cases demonstrating improved performance, reproducibility, and reduced residual stresses or defects.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 to 9, focusing on system demonstration to deployment.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-14
• Deadline: 2027-04-13T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Application Form (Part B).
• Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe criteria (excellence, impact, implementation).

Post-Award Obligations

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based data if applicable.
• The granting authority may object to exclusive licensing or transfer of ownership of results for up to four years post-project.
• Standard Horizon Europe reporting and dissemination requirements apply.

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 align with Horizon Europe’s lump sum funding model, with eligible costs defined in the grant agreement.
• Projects should build on prior research (e.g., H2020-SUSTAINair) and EREA’s Future Sky initiatives.
• Emphasis on industrial competitiveness, geopolitical resilience in raw materials, and circular economy principles.