Synopsis 2023

October 30^th,2023

EXCELLENCE CLUB AEROSPACE AWARDS CONFERENCES

Summary

• Pack 1 Future of autonomous air service in Europe and worldwide

Pack 2 e-VTOLs & new mobilities

Pack 3

• a – Decarbonizing aircraft: structure and aerodynamics

1 WEIGHT REDUCTION

2 WING INNOVATIONS

• b – New fuels for flights (biofuels, synthetic fuels, etc ). How to produce them? Where? Cost? When? Value for decarbonation?

Pack 4

a – Hydrogen for decarbonation : manufacturing ways, availability in qty, cost, benefit for environment, distribution network, etc
b – Fuel cellL: principle, which use ?, which challenges (weight, cooling, sizing ..) ?
c –H2 direct combustion in on-board aircraft connectivity

Pack 5

a – Engine hybridization: which use, which benefit ?
B – Open rotor

Pack 6

a – Decarbonation thru Air Transport Control
b – Airlines operations and decarbonation
c – Decarbonation boosters: digitalization and virtualization
d- Contribution of on-board satellite communication to greener and safer air transport
e – Decarbonation of Kourou Space Center cooling production and hydrometric control

Pack 7

a – Data collection and use in aeronautics: which data, which purpose, (design, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, product support, etc) MRO predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.
b – Revolution in on-board aircraft connectivity and its contribution to emission reduction and aviation safety.
c – The War in Ukraine, an open-eye on aerospace industry.

e – Artificial Intelligence in aeronautics: which one, which use, which applications, challenges, certification ?

Pack 1 – Future of autonomous air service in Europe and worldwide

The future of autonomous air service in Europe and worldwide is a topic of great interest and ongoing development. Advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems, are driving the potential for autonomous air service1. European regulatory bodies, such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), have taken steps to enable the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems operations in urban environments . This includes the development of U-Space/UTM regulatory packages that aim to facilitate the integration of autonomous air service operations.

Autonomous technologies in the aviation industry have the potential to mitigate pilot shortages and meet the growing demand for commercial air travel. Companies and industry pioneers are actively exploring the possibilities of autonomous air service, including the concept of flying taxis, which could capture a significant share of the global taxi services market. Hydrogen-powered planes are also being considered as a sustainable alternative for future air travel.

The future of autonomous air service holds promise for a range of applications, including transportation, surveillance, and environmental missions. However, there are still challenges to address, including regulatory frameworks, safety considerations, and public acceptance. As technology evolves, the potential benefits and impacts of autonomous air service will continue to be explored and evaluated by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.

Pack 2 e-VTOLs & new mobilities

Pack 3

a – GREEN AERONAUTICS: WEIGHT REDUCTION, WING INNOVATIONS AND OPEN ROTOR FOR DECARBONIZING AIRCRAFT

Weight reduction, (wing thin profiles, flying wings, morphing wings, etc°

Synopsis: The conference on “Green Aeronautics” focuses on addressing the challenges and opportunities in reducing the carbon footprint of aircraft through weight reduction strategies and innovative wing designs. Additionally, the conference explores the concept of open rotor technology as a means to further decarbonize aircraft operations.

Key themes during the conference include:

Weight reduction strategies: The conference examines various weight reduction techniques in aeronautics that contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. These strategies include lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing processes, and innovative design practices aimed at reducing the structural weight of aircraft.

Wing innovations: The conference emphasizes advancements in wing design, with a particular focus on thin profiles, flying wings, and morphing wings. These innovative wing configurations and technologies aim to enhance aerodynamic performance, reduce drag, and improve fuel efficiency, ultimately leading to reduced emissions and a greener aviation industry.

Morphing wings: The conference spotlights the concept of morphing wings, which adapt their shape based on flight conditions. Experts will discuss the potential of morphing wings to optimize aerodynamic performance across a range of flight regimes, leading to fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.

b – NEW FUELS FOR FLIGHTS (biofuels, synthetic fuels, etc ). How to produce them? Where? Cost? When? Value for decarbonation?

This conference will demonstrate how Biofuels and synthetic fuels are promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels for aviation, as they have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry. While the technology for producing biofuels and synthetic fuels has been around for some time, costs for scaling up production and achieving economies of scale are still significant barriers to adoption of these fuels.

Biofuels for aviation are typically derived from vegetable oils, waste oils, or non-food crops. These fuels can be produced through several methods, such as hydrotreating, and can be blended directly with traditional jet fuel¹. Synthetic fuels for aviation, on the other hand, are derived from a combination of renewable energy sources (such as wind or solar) and carbon dioxide emissions. The process of converting carbon dioxide emissions into fuel typically involves hydrogenation, a process that combines the carbon dioxide with hydrogen to create a synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fuel.

The cost of producing biofuels and synthetic fuels for aviation remains high, which has limited the adoption of these fuels by the aviation industry. The cost of producing these fuels is highly dependent on the cost of the feedstocks, the conversion process, and the scale of production. However, there are several initiatives underway to reduce production costs and increase the production of these fuels.

Some countries, such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia, have already made significant investments in biorefineries for producing biofuels. In Europe, several projects have been initiated to develop and test synthetic fuels for aviation⁵. These projects aim to demonstrate the feasibility of synthetic fuel production, ranging from small-scale demonstrations to larger-scale commercialization.

The value of biofuels and synthetic fuels for decarbonizing the aviation industry is significant. Biofuels can reduce net carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional jet fuel. Synthetic fuels also have low carbon intensity, making them a promising solution for aviation decarbonation². If these fuels can be produced at scale and at a competitive cost, they could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, thereby contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

Pack 4

a – HYDROGEN FOR DECARBONATION : manufacturing ways, availability in qty, cost, benefit for environment, distribution network, etc

This conference on hydrogen for aviation aims to highlight the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for the aviation industry. Hydrogen is considered a zero-emissions fuel, which means that using hydrogen-powered aircraft could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation1.

Production methods

The conference will discus various production methods for hydrogen, including electrolysis, reforming of fossil fuels, and renewable sources such as wind or solar power.

Green hydrogen, which is produced through the process of electrolysis using only renewable energy sources, is considered the most sustainable option for hydrogen production.

Availability and cost

Currently, the availability of hydrogen for aviation is limited. Compared to other fuels such as kerosene, the infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is still underdeveloped.

The cost of producing hydrogen for aviation is still high, but it is expected to decrease as production technologies improve and economies of scale are achieved.

Environmental benefits

Hydrogen is a low carbon and potentially zero carbon fuel, meaning that it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation.

Encouraging the use of hydrogen fuel for aviation aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals .

Distribution network

The conference also will address the challenges associated with creating an hydrogen distribution network. Hydrogen infrastructure, including production and storage facilities, would need to be coordinated and built quickly to meet the needs of the aviation industry.

Developing national and international policies and regulations could help support the growth of a hydrogen-based aviation industry.

b – FUEL CELL: principle, which use ?, which challenges (weight, cooling, sizing ..) ?

This conference is dealing with fuel cells, and provides a forum for the exchange technical information, for the dissemination of high-quality research results, for shaping of future directions and priorities in hydrogen fuel cell science, technology, engineering, application and commercialization.

c H2 direct combustion in engine

This conference will present challenge and opportunities s for hydrogen combustion, liquid or gaseous hydrogen to be burned in a modified gas-turbine engine to generate thrust. This process is identical to traditional internal combustion, except hydrogen replaces its fossil fuel counterpart withj some adaptations, precautions and constraints.

Variant: Sustainable Water-injecting Turbofan comprising Hybrid- electrics : Switch program with MTU, Collins, GKN, Airbus.

Pack 5

a – ENGINE HYBRIDIZATION: which use, which benefit?

The electrification of the propulsion system has opened the way to new designs for propulsion systems and aircraft, never before envisaged. To date, the concept has to overcome design and sizing difficulties to become feasible. An appropriate modelling framework is needed to explore the design space at a conceptual level. Greater investment in technology and infrastructure developments should facilitate its successful application in the marketplace. In this conference, several players give us an overview of the current landscape of research efforts and innovations related to electric aircraft developments. Obstacles and necessary technological development paths will be discussed. The conference will address the implications and further requirements for future developments in technology, regulation, certification and infrastructure to make the operation of the next generation of electric aircraft commercially viable

b – OPEN ROTOR: WHICH USE, WHICH BENEFIT, WHICH CHALLENGES? The Open Rotor conference focuses on the use, benefits and challenges associated with this innovative aviation technology.

Uses of the Open Rotor: introduction to the Open Rotor and its various potential uses. Highlighting its main application in jet engines, particularly for long-range commercial aircraft.

The potential use of Open Rotor in other areas of aviation, such as cargo and military aircraft.

The speakers will demonstrate the key benefits of the Open Rotor. These include improved fuel efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower noise levels. The Open Rotor also offers greater design flexibility for aircraft wings and fuselages, which can lead to weight and fuel savings.

The conference will also address the challenges and obstacles facing Open Rotor technology. These include regulatory and certification constraints, development and production costs, as well as technical challenges related to the design and integration of Open Rotor engines on existing aircraft.

The future prospects of the Open Rotor in the aviation industry will be developed along with the emerging trends, government policies and research and development initiatives that are shaping the future of this technology.

Finally, the conference will unveil the commercial opportunities and potential collaborations that could accelerate the adoption of Open Rotor.

In summary, the Open Rotor conference provides a platform to discuss the uses, benefits and challenges associated with this revolutionary aviation technology. It aims to encourage information exchange, collaboration and innovation to fully exploit the potential of the Open Rotor to improve the efficiency and sustainability of aviation.

Pack 6

a -DECARBONATION BY AIR TRANSPORT CONTROL

The Decarbonisation through Air Traffic Control conference focuses on strategies and measures to reduce carbon emissions in the air transport sector through air traffic control and management.

The conference highlights the crucial role of regulators and air navigation service providers in implementing measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The conference also highlights the optimisation of flight paths as a means of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It explores the technologies and approaches used to plan more direct, more efficient and less polluting flight paths, such as performance-based air traffic management systems and the use of real-time meteorological data.

The conference will also address performance-based air traffic management as a means of reducing carbon emissions. This includes the use of advanced air traffic management systems, continuous descent procedures, optimised flight sequencing and other measures to minimise waiting and idling times on runways.

The conference will discuss the importance of collaboration and coordination between the various players in the air transport sector to achieve decarbonisation objectives. This includes cooperation between airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and regulators to implement joint initiatives and exchange data for better traffic planning and management.

The conference will also address the challenges and obstacles facing decarbonisation through air traffic control. These include regulatory constraints, operational considerations, implementation costs, as well as the technical and technological challenges of adopting new solutions and integrating complex systems.

Emerging trends, technological advances, government policies and international initiatives that will shape the future of air traffic management for greener aviation will be outlined.

In summary, the Conference on Decarbonisation through Air Transport Control provides a platform for discussing the strategies, measures and collaborations needed to reduce carbon emissions in the air transport sector. It aims to encourage the exchange of information, cooperation and innovation to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of aviation.

b – AIRLINES AND DECARBONATION :

This “Airlines and Decarbonisation” conference focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing airlines in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint.

The conference will set out the context for the airline industry where the importance of decarbonisation in the aviation sector is subject to increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental regulations that impact on airlines.

The conference will highlight the importance of collaboration between airlines, governments, regulators and industry partners to achieve decarbonisation objectives. Examples of successful partnerships will be presented, highlighting the benefits of cooperation in reducing emissions.

The challenges and obstacles facing airlines in their transition to decarbonisation will also be discussed. These include technological constraints, high costs, complex regulations and limited infrastructure. Potential solutions to these challenges will be discussed at the conference and future perspectives will be addressed: emerging trends, government policies, technological advances and business opportunities that will shape the future of sustainable aviation.

c – DECARBONATION BOOSTERS: DIGITALISATION AND VIRTUALIZATION

The conference on Decarbonation boosted by digitalization and virtualization focuses on the opportunities and challenges of using digital technology and virtualization to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The conference begins with an introduction to the importance of digitalization and virtualization in the fight against climate change. It will highlight the potential benefits of these technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in different sectors, such as air transport and the aviation industry. It will show how digitalization can contribute to decarbonation by optimizing processes and infrastructures with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis, which enable better energy management, reduced losses and more efficient use of resources. The conference will also address the virtualization of activities and services as a means of reducing carbon emissions.

This includes the virtualization of meetings and events, remote working, e-learning and other forms of digital services that reduce the need for physical travel and excessive consumption of resources. The benefits of digitalization and virtualization for decarbonation include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy costs, improving process efficiency, facilitating remote collaboration and creating new business opportunities.

The conference will also address the challenges and obstacles facing digitalization and virtualization in decarbonation: the need to guarantee data security, the availability of reliable connectivity, training workers in digital skills and managing the social and economic impacts of the transition.

The conference will address the future prospects for decarbonation boosted by digitalization and virtualization: the emerging trends, government policies, research and development initiatives and collaboration opportunities that will shape the future of this approach.

In summary, the conference on decarbonation boosted by digitalization and virtualization provides a platform for discussing the opportunities, benefits and challenges associated with using digital technology and virtualization to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized economy. It aims to encourage the exchange of information, collaboration and innovation to fully exploit the potential of these technologies in the fight against climate change.

d – THE CONTRIBUTION OF ON-BOARD SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS TO GREENER AND SAFER AIR TRANSPORT

The conference focuses on the benefits and opportunities offered by Satcom technologies to

improve energy efficiency and safety in the air transport sector.

Introduction to the contribution of in-flight satellite communications (Satcom) : The speaker will begin with an introduction to the importance of on-board satellite communications in air transport. He highlights the benefits of satellite connectivity for flight operations, particularly in terms of improving efficiency, safety and reducing carbon emissions.

Flight Operations Optimisation: The speaker will highlight how Satcom technologies can help optimise flight operations to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This includes the use of satellite connectivity for real-time transmission of weather data, navigation information and flight plan updates, enabling more accurate route planning and more efficient flight paths.

The conference will also address how on-board satellite communications can improve aircraft monitoring and maintenance, contributing to safety and operational efficiency. This includes the collection and transmission of real-time performance data from engines, aircraft systems and ground equipment, enabling predictive maintenance and early detection of potential problems.

The speaker will highlight the importance of satellite connectivity for managing passenger connectivity on board aircraft. This includes broadband Internet access, in-flight communication services and in-flight entertainment, providing an enhanced passenger experience while reducing the need to carry physical media, thereby contributing to a reduction in weight and fuel consumption.The conference will also address how on-board satellite communications can improve aircraft monitoring and maintenance, contributing to safety and operational efficiency. This includes the collection and transmission of real-time performance data from engines, aircraft systems and ground equipment, enabling predictive maintenance and early detection of potential problems.

The conference will also address the contribution of in-flight satellite communications to safety and emergency management in air transport. This includes the ability to establish reliable and continuous communications in the event of an incident or accident, enabling better coordination of rescue efforts and faster decision-making.

In summary, the conference on the contribution of satellite on-board communications (Satcom) to greener and safer air transport provides a platform to discuss the benefits and opportunities offered by these technologies. It aims to encourage the exchange of information, cooperation and innovation to promote the wider use of on-board satellite communications in the air transport sector, thereby contributing to more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly aviation

e – AI IN AERONAUTICS: which one, which use, which applications, challenges, certification ?

Speaker : ANITI

The conference explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in aeronautics. It begins with a presentation of AI and its potential applications in the aeronautics sector. It focuses on the benefits and opportunities offered by AI, as well as the challenges and issues associated with its use.

The conference explores the different uses of AI in aeronautics, such as predictive maintenance, autonomous navigation, flight operations optimisation, air traffic management and flight safety. It highlights the benefits of AI in these areas, such as improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing safety.

The conference will examine specific applications of AI in aeronautics, such as machine learning for data analysis, computer vision systems for anomaly detection, chatbots for passenger assistance and simulation for pilot training. It highlights the benefits of these applications and their impact on the sector’s efficiency and productivity.

The conference also addresses the challenges associated with the use of AI in aeronautics, such as data confidentiality, AI ethics, liability in the event of error, system reliability and resistance to cyber attacks. It highlights the importance of developing appropriate standards and regulations to ensure safety and confidence in the use of AI.

Certification of AI in aeronautics: The conference will examine the certification process for AI in the aeronautics sector, highlighting the regulatory requirements and validation procedures needed. It explores the specific challenges associated with AI certification, such as transparency of algorithms, traceability of decisions and reproducibility of results.

In summary, the conference “What AI for aeronautics: uses, applications, challenges, certification” explores the uses and applications of AI in aeronautics, highlighting the benefits, challenges and issues associated with its use. It also examines the certification process for AI in the aeronautics sector and the specific challenges associated with it.

PACK 7

a – DATA COLLECTION AND USE IN AERONAUTICS: WHICH DATA, WHICH PURPOSE (design, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, product support, MRO and predictive maintenance, cybersecurity, etc),

The “Data Collection and Use in Aeronautics” conference focuses on the growing importance of data collection and use in the aeronautics sector.

The conference begins with a presentation of the importance of data in aeronautics. It highlights the different sources of data available, such as on-board sensors, flight data, maintenance data, meteorological data, and so on. It explores the methods and technologies used to collect data in aeronautics. This includes the use of sensors, remote monitoring systems, the Internet of Things (IoT) and in-flight connectivity. It also highlights the challenges associated with data collection, such as data security, confidentiality and managing the increasing amount of data generated. In terms of data use, the conference examines the different ways in which data is used in aeronautics.

In terms of the use of data, the conference examines the different ways in which data is used in aeronautics. This includes analysing data to improve flight safety, predictive maintenance, optimising flight operations, air traffic management and enhancing the passenger experience. It highlights the benefits of using data, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs and improved performance.

The conference also addresses the challenges of data management in aviation. These include collection, storage, security, data quality and compliance with data protection regulations. Finally, it explores the future prospects for data collection and use in aerospace. This includes the evolution of data collection technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis, and the opportunities and challenges of big data exploitation.

In summary, the “Data Collection and Use in Aeronautics” conference highlights the growing importance of data in the aeronautics sector. It explores the collection of data, its use in different areas, such as flight safety and predictive maintenance, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its management. The conference also looks at the future of data collection and use, including the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and megadata.

b THE REVOLUTION IN ON-BOARD AIRCRAFT CONNECTIVITY AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND AVIATION SAFETY

The connectivity on-board the aircraft is undergoing a revolution.

The progresses in connectivity technologies – compactness, reliability, cybersecurity, quality of data- allow substantial enhancements in the communications between the aircraft and its environment –air traffic control, airport, other aircraft, airline operations.

This development will enable augmented capabilities that will contribute to optimizing the trajectories, optimizing the aircraft drag and maneuverability, optimizing the pilot workload and optimizing the safety and the quality of the exchanges between the pilot and his environment.

This development is based on :

Smaller or integrated antennas
Next generation audio/radio management systems
next generation satellite communication