Multi-Level Aircraft Design Modelling Including the Effects of Disruptive Propulsion Technologies on Environmental Impact ^†

The EU EFACA project considers two conceptual aircraft design configurations for cleaning European air traffic in future decades. Recently, several different technologies have led to propulsion designs with potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replace existing conventional engine technologies—such as the use of fossil fuel—for aviation. The results of an assessment of the environmental impacts of new technologies are considered using a multidimensional approach, ranging from aircraft certification requirements (noise, local and global engine emission, and aircraft fuel efficiency) to regional/global assessments of new designs in air traffic. Each technology for factor reduction is simulated and compared to a reference, usually the aircraft currently best in its class, providing the possibility of assessing the efficiency of the technology, both for necessary certification requirements and for the forecasted operational conditions due to ICAO long-term aspirational goals and ACARE Fly Green Deal goals.