Foreseeing the next generation of aircraft

Driving European aviation to reduce noise and fuel use

In 2017, direct emissions from aviation accounted for 3.8% of total CO₂  emissions and 13.9% of emissions from transport in the European Union (EU) in 2017, making aviation the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after road transport. What's more, although noise emissions from individual aircraft have fallen by around 75% over the past 30 years, the increase in air traffic means that many EU citizens are still exposed to high noise levels.

It is now crucial to step up research and innovation activities to reduce the impacts and emissions of aviation (CO₂ and non-CO₂, noise, manufacturing) so that the EU can achieve its policy objectives of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the main ways of reducing CO₂ emissions is to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce the structural weight of aircraft fuselages. This is where the members of the FALCON project come in.

Advancing aeronautical research

The ambition of the FALCON project is to develop a hybrid approach combining cutting-edge numerical and experimental methods to analyze fluid-structure interaction, better predict and control unsteady aerodynamic loads, thereby improving the aero-elastic properties and durability of aerostructures, and reducing the associated aerodynamic noise. This will help enhance the current design capabilities of the European aerospace industry, while reinforcing the digital transformation of the European supply chain.

For quieter, smarter air transport

FALCON will encourage the European aviation industry to reduce noise and fuel consumption, and improve the sustainability of global air transport. It will also maintain the EU's global competitiveness in the aeronautics industry through the development of cutting-edge digital tools for testing and certification.

The collaborations undertaken between the 15 private and public partners from six countries will thus give rise to real scientific, economic, environmental and societal impacts.