Climate-compatible aviation

The objective has now been set in Germany and Europe, with the aim of achieving climate compatibility in the economy and society. This is set out in the European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal, which reconciles decarbonisation with EU competitiveness. The consequences of climate change also compel us to strive towards climate-neutral air transport, which contributes 3.5 percent to global warming. The focus is on new technologies that will continue to ensure global mobility and the transport of goods in the future. With dozens of DLR institutes and facilities active in aeronautics research, DLR is driving this transformation with ideas and concepts for sustainable technologies for a future-ready, environmentally compatible aviation of tomorrow. Expertise from DLR's space, energy and transport research programmes is also playing an important role in this.

Efficient aircraft configurations with an intelligent propulsion mix

To significantly reduce the energy requirements of future aircraft by 2050, they must become even lighter, more efficient and more aerodynamic, in combination with the introduction of innovative flight control and sensor technology. Efficient aircraft configurations will require an intelligent mix of alternative propulsion concepts for various application areas. In future, small and regional aircraft will be able to take off using battery or hybrid-electric systems, while medium-haul aircraft will be capable of flying using direct hydrogen combustion or fuel cells. On long-haul routes, sustainably produced fuels – known as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) – in combination with highly efficient turbines could lead the way.

SAF – an opportunity for more climate-compatible aviation in the medium term

A key focus of our work is research into production technologies for manufacturing alternative fuels and their targeted optimisation for aviation. These fuels are regarded as a central building block for the aviation sector of tomorrow. They are chemically almost identical to kerosene from fossil sources, but are not derived from fossil raw materials. They also produce significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from production through to combustion. In this field, we are developing methods to evaluate, test and improve SAFs, while working specifically on innovative processes such as Power-to-Liquid and Sun-to-Liquid, as well as their scaling potential. The aim is to accelerate the market introduction of large-scale production of electricity-based fuels – a crucial step towards climate-compatible medium- and long-haul flights.

We also use our expertise and infrastructure to better understand and optimise the use of these fuels in real-world flight operations. Flight measurement campaigns and digital assessment tools, for example, are used to analyse the emissions impacts of different SAF blends and to quantify their potential savings compared with conventional fossil-derived kerosene.

DLR as a strong partner for industry and public stakeholders

Our work towards more climate-compatible flight therefore covers a broad range of topics. These include low-emission propulsion systems based on hydrogen, electrification and sustainable fuels, novel aerodynamically optimised aircraft concepts, the analysis of non-CO₂ climate effects and the development and implementation of flight route planning designed to reduce the climate impact. We also address issues related to energy and infrastructure integration, as well as digital solutions for a more efficient air transport system.

Using a systemic approach that consistently considers technology, operations and the transport network as a whole, DLR serves as an important strategic partner for industry, research and policymakers in Germany, Europe and around the world. Through our scientifically robust approach, we help shape and advance the transformation of aviation.

An overview of selected DLR research priorities