COMPANION

COMPANION is a Clean Aviation project led by Airbus, that prepares a common flight test platform to support the in-flight demonstration of future aircraft propulsion technologies developed in OFELIA (Open Fan engine) and SWITCH (Hybrid Ultra High Bypass Ratio engine). The project focuses on developing a large aircraft platform and its associated systems so that different advanced propulsion concepts can be tested under real operating conditions in Clean Aviation Phase 2.

Fri, 12/13/2024 - 15:04

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COMPANION addresses the practical and technical design work needed before flight testing of new propulsion systems. Key areas of work include:

• Preparing a large aircraft to act as a flight test demonstrator, capable of supporting different propulsion configurations.
• Defining and validating aircraft-level modifications needed to integrate advanced propulsion systems.
• Developing innovative instrumentation solutions to support flight testing and data acquisition.
• Initiating the flight clearance process to ensure that future test campaigns run efficiently and safely.
• Collaborating with other Clean Aviation projects to align schedules, requirements, and technical assumptions.

This work enables future demonstrator engines to be installed and tested with fewer aircraft-specific adaptations.

A common platform approach

The core of COMPANION is the development of a common flight test platform. Instead of customizing an aircraft for each individual propulsion concept, the project focuses on developing solutions that can be reused across multiple demonstrations.

This approach brings several benefits:

• Consistency across flight test campaigns
• Earlier identification of integration constraints
• Improved readiness for future installations
• Better coordination between aircraft, engine, and instrumentation development

COMPANION is also preparing the measurement systems needed to test advanced propulsion technologies inflight. This involves defining how key aspects such as performance, operational behavior, and selected environmental parameters can be monitored during testing.

The focus is on creating instrumentation concepts that are compatible with the aircraft platform and future demonstrator needs, while allowing for future development in follow-up activities.

COMPANION is at the forefront of technological progress in aviation. Its Flight Test Demonstration platform is essential for testing next-generation propulsion systems, which are crucial for developing more efficient aircraft designs.

Enhanced Data Collection

COMPANION will significantly improve data collection to evaluate engine performance under various operational conditions. This data is vital for refining propulsion systems and optimising aircraft performance, contributing to the continuous advancement of aviation technology.

Enabling Technologies and Their Interrelation with Clean Aviation SRIA Objectives

The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) outlines two key milestones toward climate-neutral aviation by 2050. By 2030, it aims to introduce low-emission aircraft concepts leveraging sustainable fuels and green operations, with entry into service by 2030-2035, while the 2050 goal focuses on achieving climate-neutral aviation through advanced technologies, sustainable fuels, and hydrogen energy. COMPANION leverages several advanced technologies to achieve its goals, aligning with the Clean Aviation Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA):

1. Pressure Fluctuation Measurements using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)

• Provided by DLR, this technology employs thousands of sensors for detailed inflight acoustic source localisation. Besides the development of the acoustic MEMS measurement system, DLR improves sound source localisation methods for the OpenFan rotor and stator stages as well as for UHBR external noise.

2. Airflow Speed Measurement using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)

• Also provided by DLR, this technology offers airspeed measurements without disturbing the flow, delivering precise local results.

3. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

• ONERA utilises LIDAR to remotely measure non-volatile Particulate Matter (nvPM) (soot) and engine airflow with very high resolution (up to 1 mm) without the need for sampling

4. Sound Analysis in Complex Systems

• Both OpenFan and Ultra-High Bypass Ratio ducted fans raise new and specific challenges regarding the analysis and characterisation of their noise emissions, which are critical for validating design and ensuring compliance with current and future noise regulations. DLR and ONERA are providing their expertise to adapt innovative acoustic methodologies for the localisation and characterisation of acoustic sources for the open-fan and separation of the engine noise from fuselage boundary-layer pseudo noise. DLR’s and ECL’s expertise in near-field noise modal analysis provides innovative methods for ducted sound analysis, considering factors like distorted inflow, C-ducts sections of the bypass and inter-stage sound wave propagation.

By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, COMPANION supports the development of next-generation aviation systems. It enhances our understanding of engine performance, driving ongoing improvements in aircraft efficiency and sustainability.

Supporting future flight demonstrations

COMPANION focuses on preparing  future demonstrations by:

• Advancing aircraft and system readiness
• Reducing uncertainty in integration and clearance activities
• Providing a framework that can be re-used by follow-on projects

Through this work, COMPANION supports an easier transition from ground testing to flight testing in later Clean Aviation projects.

Collaboration within Clean Aviation

The project works closely with other Clean Aviation initiatives focused on advanced propulsion technologies. This coordination ensures that aircraft preparation, propulsion development, and demonstration planning evolve together and remain aligned with programme-level objectives.

Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:49

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The project is supported by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking and its members. 

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No 101140627. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor Clean Aviation JU can be held responsible for them.