This article is based on an official press release from the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking.

Clean Aviation Launches Coordinated “One Flight Path” Initiative for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft

On January 20, 2026, the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking announced a significant milestone in the development of sustainable regional aviation. Under the banner “Multiple disciplines, one flight path,” the organization officially launched the coordinated activities of four interconnected projects: PHARES, OSYRYS, HERACLES, and DEMETRA. These initiatives aim to integrate distinct technological domains, Propulsion, on-board systems, and aircraft architecture, into a unified roadmap for the next generation of regional aircraft.

According to the announcement, the primary objective of this coordinated effort is to develop an Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art technology. The roadmap targets a commercial Entry into Service (EIS) by 2035, with flight demonstrations scheduled for the end of the decade.

Integrating Four Pillars of Technology

The initiative marks a shift from isolated technology development to a fully integrated, aircraft-level demonstration phase. The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking describes this as a “first in Clean Aviation’s history,” ensuring that separate disciplines remain locked into a shared timeline and technical specification. The four projects cover the entire technology stack required for hybrid-electric flight.

PHARES: Hybrid Propulsion

Led by Pratt & Whitney Canada, the PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application for Regional Segment) project focuses on developing a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator. This marks the first time a Canadian company has led a Clean Aviation consortium. The project aims to integrate a derivative of the PW127XT turboprop engine with a Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motor and an optimized propeller gearbox. The consortium targets a standalone fuel burn reduction of up to 20% for the propulsion system.

“Hybrid-electric propulsion and electrified aircraft systems are key parts of RTX’s technology roadmap… PHARES represents a transformative opportunity to demonstrate the potential for regional aviation.”

Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada

OSYRYS: On-board Systems

The OSYRYS (On-board SYstems Relevant for hYbridization of Regional aircraftS) project, led by Safran Electrical & Power, addresses the “nervous system” of the aircraft. As hybrid-electric designs require massive amounts of electrical power, OSYRYS focuses on high-voltage power distribution, thermal management, and electrical network protection to ensure safe management throughout the airframe.

HERACLES and DEMETRA: Design and Demonstration

Manufacturers ATR leads the final two pillars, which focus on the aircraft itself. HERACLES (Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Concept for Low EmissionS) serves as the “digital” component, defining the conceptual design, architecture, and environmental impact assessments. It establishes the requirements that ensure propulsion and systems fit into a certifiable configuration.

DEMETRA (Demonstrator of an Electrified Modern Efficient Transport Regional Aircraft) represents the “physical” realization of these technologies. This project will integrate the innovations from PHARES and OSYRYS onto an ATR 72-600 flying testbed. Flight tests are currently targeted for the 2028–2029 timeframe to validate performance in real-world conditions.

Strategic Timeline and Goals

The coordinated launch reinforces the European Union’s commitment to maintaining leadership in the regional aviation market. The projects are part of a broader €945 million funding package (EU and industry contributions combined) announced in September 2025 under Clean Aviation’s Call 3.

The technical goals are aggressive, targeting a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions. In addition to hybrid-electric propulsion, the aircraft is designed to be 100% compatible with SAF. The timeline places the flight test window between 2028 and 2029, bridging the gap between laboratory validation and the 2035 target for commercial service.

“This is more than a technological demonstration; it’s a bold commitment to the future of regional aviation. By flying the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, we aim to further demonstrate that sustainability and connectivity can go hand in hand.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR

AirPro News Analysis

The structure of this initiative highlights a strategic deepening of transatlantic aerospace ties. The leadership of Pratt & Whitney Canada in the PHARES project allows European funding to leverage best-in-class engine technology from a Canadian consortium, a move that diversifies the technical base of the program. Furthermore, by backing ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, the EU appears focused on securing its dominance in the turboprop market against emerging competition from manufacturers in Brazil and China. The “one flight path” approach suggests a recognition that integrating hybrid systems into legacy airframes requires a level of cross-disciplinary synchronization that previous, isolated research projects often lacked.

Sources

• Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking

This article is based on an official press release from NASA.

NASA has successfully completed a critical high-speed taxi test of a new wing design technology aimed at significantly reducing fuel consumption in Commercial-Aircraft. The testing, conducted at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, focused on the Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) concept. According to the agency, this technology has the potential to reduce fuel burn by up to 10 percent for large transport aircraft.

The milestone event, which took place on January 12, 2026, involved a scale model wing mounted to a specialized research aircraft. This ground-based testing serves as a precursor to upcoming Test-Flights scheduled for the coming weeks. By validating the structural integrity and instrumentation of the test article on the ground, NASA aims to ensure safety and data accuracy before the technology takes to the skies.

High-Speed Taxi Testing Details

The recent tests utilized NASA’s McDonnell Douglas F-15B Research Testbed (Tail No. 836). Instead of modifying the jet’s own wings, engineers mounted a 3-foot-tall scale model of the CATNLF wing vertically on a Centerline Instrumented Pylon (CLIP) located underneath the F-15B’s fuselage. This configuration allows researchers to expose the model to realistic airflow conditions without altering the host aircraft’s aerodynamics.

During the January 12 event, the aircraft reached speeds of approximately 144 mph on the runway. The primary objective was to verify that the model could withstand the physical stresses of high-speed travel and that its extensive suite of sensors was functioning correctly. NASA reports that the taxi tests were successful, clearing the path for initial flight testing.

Technical Specifications and Instrumentation

To capture the complex physics of airflow, the test article is heavily instrumented. According to technical data released by the agency, the model features:

• 123 static pressure sensors to map pressure distribution across the surface.
• 12 dynamic pressure sensors designed to detect rapid fluctuations indicative of turbulence.
• 54 subsurface thermocouples to measure temperature changes that signal the transition from smooth (laminar) to turbulent flow.

Additionally, an infrared (IR) camera mounted on the F-15B provides real-time thermal imaging, offering a visual map of how air flows over the wing surface.

Understanding CATNLF Technology

The core of this research addresses a specific aerodynamic challenge known as “crossflow instability.” Modern commercial airliners utilize swept wings to fly efficiently at high speeds. However, this sweep angle naturally generates turbulence, or crossflow, near the wing’s leading edge. This turbulence disrupts the smooth, laminar flow of air, increasing drag and forcing engines to burn more fuel.

CATNLF (Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow) offers a passive solution to this problem. Rather than using heavy, complex mechanical systems to suck away turbulent air (known as active laminar flow), CATNLF relies on a specific reshaping of the wing’s airfoil. By altering the pressure gradients on the leading edge, the design dampens crossflow instabilities naturally.

Projected Efficiency Gains

The current physical testing is grounded in extensive computational research. A NASA study conducted between 2014 and 2017 applied the CATNLF design method to a Common Research Model (CRM), which represents a modern wide-body airliner similar to a Boeing 777.

“A NASA computational study conducted between 2014 and 2017 estimated that applying a CATNLF wing design to a large, long-range aircraft like the Boeing 777 could reduce fuel burn by 5 to 10 percent.”

, NASA Press Release

The study utilized advanced flow solvers to simulate flight conditions, finding that the design could achieve laminar flow over approximately 60 percent of the wing’s upper surface. If applied to a global fleet of wide-body aircraft, a 5 to 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption would translate to millions of dollars in savings and a substantial decrease in carbon emissions.

AirPro News Analysis

While much of the recent media attention on Sustainability aviation has focused on the X-66A Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW), the CATNLF project represents a vital, complementary track of research. The X-66A relies on a radical structural change, long, thin wings supported by trusses, to achieve efficiency. In contrast, CATNLF focuses on airfoil optimization that could potentially be applied to various wing configurations, including standard tube-and-wing designs or the TTBW itself.

We observe that the distinction between “active” and “passive” laminar flow is crucial for Manufacturers. Active systems add weight and maintenance complexity, which Airlines generally oppose. By pursuing a passive geometric solution, NASA is targeting a “sweet spot” of high efficiency with minimal operational penalties, increasing the likelihood of adoption by airframers like Boeing or Airbus in the next generation of aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the CATNLF project?
The primary goal is to validate a wing design that reduces aerodynamic drag by maintaining smooth (laminar) airflow over the wing, potentially reducing fuel consumption by up to 10%.

How does this differ from other laminar flow technologies?
CATNLF is a “passive” technology. It relies on the shape of the wing to control airflow, whereas “active” systems require pumps or suction devices to mechanically remove turbulent air.

When will this technology fly?
Following the successful taxi tests on January 12, 2026, NASA has scheduled initial flight testing to begin in the coming weeks.

What aircraft is being used for the tests?
NASA is using an F-15B Research Testbed. The experimental wing is a scale model mounted underneath the aircraft, not the wing of the F-15 itself.

Sources: NASA Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Horizon Aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft Unveils Technical Refinements for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

On January 21, 2026, New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (NASDAQ: HOVR) announced a series of significant technical updates to the design of its flagship hybrid-electric eVTOL, the Cavorite X7. Following the successful transition flight of a large-scale prototype in May 2025, the company has moved to standardize the aircraft’s vertical lift system and refine its aerodynamic profile. These changes are aimed at enhancing safety, simplifying manufacturing, and improving passenger comfort as the company progresses toward full-scale production.

The Cavorite X7 is designed as a long-range regional air mobility platform. Unlike many pure electric competitors focused on short urban hops, Horizon Aircraft utilizes a hybrid-electric power system intended for medical evacuation, disaster relief, and regional commercial transport. The latest engineering updates reflect data gathered during recent flight testing and detailed aerodynamic analysis.

Standardization of the Vertical Lift System

The most substantial engineering change detailed in the company’s announcement is the standardization of the aircraft’s vertical lift fans. The Cavorite X7 utilizes a patented “fan-in-wing” system, where lift fans are embedded within the wings and covered by retractable panels during forward flight to reduce drag.

Moving to a 12-Fan Configuration

Previously, the aircraft’s design employed different fan sizes for the main wings and the forward canards. According to the press release, the updated design now features a total of 12 identical lift fans. The configuration places five fans in each main wing and one in each canard. By replacing the smaller canard fans with wing-sized units, Horizon Aircraft has achieved complete commonality across the lift system.

This shift to a single fan unit offers several industrial advantages. It simplifies the supply chain, streamlines the manufacturing process, and reduces the complexity of maintenance for future operators. Furthermore, the company states that each of these 12 fans is powered by a dual-motor redundant architecture, ensuring that the aircraft can maintain safe operation even in the event of a motor failure.

Aerodynamic and Cabin Enhancements

Beyond the propulsion system, Horizon Aircraft has introduced changes to the airframe and interior to optimize performance and user experience.

Drag Reduction and Efficiency

The engineering team has reprofiled the surfaces of the canards and the tail. These aerodynamic modifications are designed to reduce drag in cruise flight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and overall range. The changes also aim to enhance flight stability, a critical factor for an aircraft designed to operate in diverse weather conditions.

Interior Redesign

Collaborating with mobility designer Andrea Mocellin, the company has also updated the cabin layout. The fuselage has been slightly extended to increase legroom, and the window structures have been redesigned to provide better visibility for passengers. These updates suggest a focus on the commercial viability of the aircraft, ensuring it meets the comfort standards expected in the regional air mobility market.

“The design changes effectively enhance performance while maintaining the company’s ‘mission-first’ approach to safety and utility.”

, Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft

Context and Financial Background

These technical announcements come shortly after Horizon Aircraft released its fiscal 2026 second-quarter results on January 14, 2026. The company, which trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker HOVR, reported an EPS loss of ($0.15) for the quarter. Despite the financial headwinds common in the capital-intensive eVTOL sector, the company has continued to secure funding, including a $2 million grant awarded in October 2025 to advance all-weather flight capabilities.

The successful transition flight of the large-scale prototype in May 2025 remains a pivotal Test-Flights for the program. Transitioning from vertical hover to wing-borne forward flight is widely considered one of the most difficult engineering challenges for VTOL aircraft. The data from that testing phase directly informed the standardization and aerodynamic refinements announced this week.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to standardize the lift fans on the Cavorite X7 is a mature engineering move that signals a shift from pure prototyping to “design for manufacture.” In the aerospace industry, part commonality is a key driver in reducing unit costs and increasing reliability. By eliminating unique part numbers for the canard fans, Horizon Aircraft reduces the inventory burden for operators and simplifies the certification process, as fewer unique components need to be validated.

Furthermore, while many eVTOL developers are locked in a race for urban air taxi dominance, Horizon’s hybrid approach targets a different niche, regional utility and logistics. The ability to refuel rather than wait for recharging infrastructure gives the Cavorite X7 a potential operational advantage in rural or austere environments, such as medevac or search and rescue missions, where electric charging grids may be unreliable or nonexistent.

Sources

• Horizon Aircraft Unveils Key Advances for Full-Scale Cavorite X7