FAA grants $25m to five firms for lower-emission aircraft research
The FAA has awarded $25m to five aerospace companies under its CLEEN research program, funding two-year projects aimed at cutting aircraft emissions, noise and fuel use. Prior CLEEN rounds were considerably larger.
The US Federal Aviation Administration is putting $25m toward five aerospace companies working on cleaner aircraft technology. The awards fall under the agency's Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise program, known as CLEEN, which funds work to cut emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
The latest projects run for two years. CLEEN research has been running since 2010, though earlier funding rounds were bigger, ranging from $100m to $125m and spanning five-year stretches.
The recipients include Boeing, along with engine and systems suppliers GE Aerospace and Honeywell. Two hybrid-electric developers, JetZero and Heart Aerospace, are also on the list. Each company is matching the FAA money.
Work funded through the program is intended to improve fuel efficiency and lower noise, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Heart Aerospace's share goes to a $5.8m research and development effort called Hybrid Propulsion Environmental Readiness. Under that project the company will develop and test the turbogenerator for the hybrid-electric propulsion system planned for its ES-36 regional aircraft. The ES-36 is designed as a series hybrid using two megawatt-class turbogenerators driven by commercially available jet turbines.
Heart was founded in Sweden but moved most of its operations to the US in 2025. It is aiming for entry into service in 2031 with Part 25 certification.
Sources
- aerospacetestinginternational.comUS Sustainable aviation programs get $25m funding boost