UK consortium launches project to propel next generation of electric aircraft

Ricardo is part of a seven-strong UK consortium of innovation partners from industry and academia developing a next generation, integrated propulsion module with zero tailpipe emissions to enhance aircraft performance, while reducing operating costs.

With the other consortium members, Ricardo will work on a two-year project which is supported and co-funded by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK. The project will deliver a highly power-dense, quiet and efficient propulsion module with zero tailpipe emissions.

Ricardo Head of R&D Richard Gordon said: “Ricardo’s expert engineers excel at bringing together novel, complex, clean propulsion and energy solutions, taking a whole lifecycle carbon neutral approach to minimise environmental impact. We are delighted to have been confirmed as a member of the consortium, and to be able to apply existing innovative Ricardo research deliverables to this exciting application. Ricardo is expanding its efforts to apply its world-leading technology solutions honed in the automotive and industrial sectors to the aviation sector where there is a real need for proven technologies which can improve efficiency and performance as OEMs endeavour to work towards net zero emissions.”

Read the consortium’s press release