Daher Launches Fly’in R&D Center for Sustainable Aviation

Daher Opens Fly’in Sustainable Aviation R&D Center

The aviation industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. French aircraft manufacturer Daher has taken a significant step in this direction with the opening of its Fly’in sustainable aviation R&D center. Located at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in southwestern France, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing technologies that will shape the future of eco-friendly aviation.

Fly’in is part of Daher’s broader Take Off 2027 strategy, which aims to innovate and decarbonize the aerospace sector. The center is equipped with cutting-edge tools for rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, flight testing, and data science, making it a hub for sustainable aviation research. One of its flagship projects is the EcoPulse aircraft demonstrator, a collaborative effort with Safran and Airbus to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. This initiative underscores Daher’s commitment to aligning technological advancements with environmental responsibility.

The opening of Fly’in is not just a milestone for Daher but also a reflection of the aviation industry’s collective effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With support from the French government, the EU, and regional authorities, Fly’in is poised to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of aerospace professionals and driving innovation in sustainable aviation.

The EcoPulse Project: A Leap Towards Hybrid-Electric Aviation

The EcoPulse project is a cornerstone of Daher’s sustainability efforts. Developed in collaboration with Safran and Airbus, this initiative focuses on creating a distributed propulsion hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator. The project aligns with the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals and aims to reduce polluting emissions and noise pollution while exploring new applications for air transportation.

Since its first hybrid-electric test flight in November 2023, the EcoPulse demonstrator has achieved remarkable milestones, including 100 flight hours and 50 test flights. The aircraft features an onboard electric power network with a voltage of approximately 800 volts DC and a power output of 350 kilowatts, setting new standards for hybrid-electric aviation. These achievements highlight the potential of hybrid propulsion systems to revolutionize the industry.

Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer of Daher, emphasized the significance of the project: “EcoPulse has enabled Daher to take a crucial step forward in developing a low-carbon aircraft. This project not only helped us design an operational system for a demonstration prototype but also tackle critical technological hurdles.”

“EcoPulse has enabled Daher to take a crucial step forward in developing a low-carbon aircraft. This project not only helped us design an operational system for a demonstration prototype but also tackle critical technological hurdles.” – Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer of Daher

Fly’in Innovation Center: A Hub for Sustainable Aviation

The Fly’in center is Daher’s third innovation facility in France, joining Shap’in in Nantes and Log’in in Toulouse. Spanning 2,100 square meters, Fly’in is equipped with advanced tools for R&D, including additive manufacturing capabilities, mechanical and system test benches, and flight testing infrastructure. The center is designed to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of sustainable aviation technologies.

One of the key features of Fly’in is its focus on training and education. As part of the €57 million Campus Aero Adour program, the center aims to train up to 15,000 individuals in technologies relevant to sustainable aerospace. This initiative not only supports Daher’s strategic goals but also contributes to the economic development of the Occitanie region.

Didier Kayat, Chairman and CEO of Daher, highlighted the center’s alignment with the company’s corporate purpose: “Fly’in perfectly illustrates Daher’s efforts to innovate and collaborate for more sustainable aviation. This technology center embodies the vision of a future where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”

Future Implications and Industry Impact

The advancements made at Fly’in and through the EcoPulse project have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry. As the sector strives to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050, hybrid-electric propulsion systems and advanced materials like thermoplastics and composites will play a critical role. These technologies not only reduce emissions but also enhance aircraft performance and efficiency.

Jean-Baptiste Manchette, Head of Propulsion of Tomorrow at Airbus, noted the importance of distributed electric propulsion: “With distributed electric propulsion, we achieved our goal of modeling flight physics and energy management at the aircraft level, key elements for shaping the next generation of aircraft.”

Looking ahead, Daher plans to launch a hybrid-electric aircraft by 2027, leveraging the insights gained from the EcoPulse project. This initiative, supported by the DGAC French civil aviation authority and NextGenerationEU, represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for aviation.

Conclusion

The opening of Daher’s Fly’in sustainable aviation R&D center marks a pivotal moment in the aerospace industry’s journey towards sustainability. By focusing on hybrid-electric propulsion, advanced materials, and innovative training programs, Daher is positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly aviation. The success of the EcoPulse project underscores the potential of collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Fly’in will play a crucial role in shaping its future. By combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility, Daher is not only addressing the challenges of today but also paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. The lessons learned from Fly’in and EcoPulse will undoubtedly influence the broader aerospace sector, inspiring further advancements in sustainable aviation.

FAQ

What is the EcoPulse project?
The EcoPulse project is a collaborative initiative by Daher, Safran, and Airbus to develop a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator. It aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution while exploring new applications for air transportation.

What are the key features of the Fly’in center?
Fly’in is equipped with advanced R&D tools, including additive manufacturing, flight testing facilities, and mechanical test benches. It also focuses on training and education as part of the Campus Aero Adour program.

How does Fly’in contribute to sustainable aviation?
Fly’in supports the development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems and advanced materials, aligning with the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sources: Aerospace Testing International, Daher, Flying Magazine