Less fuel, less noise - Commission launches 80 million euro aeronautics technology platform project

Brussels, 02 July 2002

An EU funded technology platform project aimed at reducing fuel burn and noise in commercial airliners was launched in Toulouse, France on 1 July.

AWIATOR has a budget of 80 million euro, half of which will be provided by the Community, and involves French, German and UK engineering teams from Airbus as well as more than 20 partners from industry from Europe and Israel.

'European aeronautic research has a key role to play in securing Europe's leadership in this strategic area. Research must ensure that our aeronautics industry remains competitive in global markets. But it must also help to meet the European citizens' expectations for safer and user friendly transport that respects the environment,' said EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin.

'Research is at the core of a modern industrial policy. By building a true European research area, we reinforce the science and technology base for our cutting edge, strategically important industries, such as aeronautics and space. AWIATOR is a good example of broad based EU wide, innovative partnerships between industry and public research,' said Mr Busquin.

The project will validate advanced technologies for future aircraft wing design, and will contribute directly to the goals set out in the high level report 'European aeronautics: Vision for 2020', which include a 50 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and aircraft noise by 2020.

The target is a five to seven per cent drag reduction, particularly at take off and landing and a two per cent reduction in fuel consumption on long distance flights. The project is also likely to result in a noise reduction of two decibels. Flight test campaigns amounting to more than 100 flight hours are planned for 2003 and 2005. They will be performed by the Airbus A340 MSN001 test aircraft, which has been modified especially for AWIATOR.

Research DG Press release

For further information, please contact:
Dietrich Knoerzer
Aeronautics Unit, Research DG
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 296 1607
E-mail: dietrich.knorzer@cec.eu.int

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001