Periodic Reporting for period 3 - CONCERTO (Construction Of Novel CERTification methOds and means of compliance for disruptive technologies)
Período documentado: 2024-01-01 hasta 2024-12-31
Aviation's safety standards have evolved steadily, but the certification process is slow and costly. New technologies could help reduce emissions, but they need new rules and regulations.
The CONCERTO project is exploring novel certification methods and means of compliance for disruptive technologies. The project aims to develop a comprehensive set of regulations on certification, together with a preliminary description of Methods of Compliance (MoCs) applicable to the three "thrusts" of Clean Aviation (Hybrid electric regional aircraft, Ultra-efficient short and short-medium range aircraft, Disruptive technologies to enable hydrogen-powered aircraft).
The project will also assess the feasibility of a digital certification framework to support collaboration and model-based certification.
The project is closely coordinated with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The collaboration aims to achieve a 30% reduction in Time to Market (TTMR) and a 30% cost reduction in certification, while ensuring compatibility with Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) at the aircraft level before the conclusion of the Clean Aviation program.
The ultimate goal is to achieve Entry Into Service (EIS) by 2035, prioritizing safety as the overarching requirement throughout the development and certification process.
The CONCERTO project is exploring novel certification methods and means of compliance for disruptive technologies. The project aims to develop a comprehensive set of regulations on certification, together with a preliminary description of Methods of Compliance (MoCs) applicable to the three "thrusts" of Clean Aviation (Hybrid electric regional aircraft, Ultra-efficient short and short-medium range aircraft, Disruptive technologies to enable hydrogen-powered aircraft).
The project will also assess the feasibility of a digital certification framework to support collaboration and model-based certification.
The project is closely coordinated with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The collaboration aims to achieve a 30% reduction in Time to Market (TTMR) and a 30% cost reduction in certification, while ensuring compatibility with Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) at the aircraft level before the conclusion of the Clean Aviation program.
The ultimate goal is to achieve Entry Into Service (EIS) by 2035, prioritizing safety as the overarching requirement throughout the development and certification process.
Executive Summary
The year 2024 was marked by significant advancements and key milestones across all Work Packages (WPs) within the CONCERTO project. Throughout the four quarters, major progress was achieved in refining interfaces and cooperation plans, establishing regulatory frameworks, implementing new means of compliance, and advancing proof-of-concept (PoC) studies for Active Wing (AW), High Voltage Distribution (HVD), and Hydrogen (H2) systems. Despite some delays due to resource constraints and regulatory engagements, the project remained on track, with key deliverables successfully submitted and validated.
Activities Performed vs. Plan
WP1 – Interfaces & Cooperation Plan
Monthly meetings with sub-WP1 leaders ensured alignment and deliverable tracking.
Coordination and data exchange with SMR, HER, and H2 Thrust projects were enhanced.
A Linked Project Mapping deliverable (D1.1) was finalized and approved in December.
Participation in key industry events such as the GIFAS event and Clean Aviation workshops facilitated increased collaboration with external projects.
Dedicated meetings were organized with ALBATROS and COCOLIH2T projects.
WP2 – Certification Readiness & Standardization
The Certification Readiness Level (CRL) scale was formally defined and integrated into the BNAE RG AERO 00-050 standard.
Discussions with EASA on incorporating the CRL into regulatory frameworks continued.
Presentations at multiple forums (GIFAS, Boeing, AIAA) contributed to the wider adoption of CRL principles.
An updated version of deliverable D2.3 was prepared for finalization.
WP3 – Regulations, Rules & Proof-of-Concept Developments
Active Wing (AW):
EASA review and feedback incorporation on the generic concept.
Regulatory gap analysis progressed, including the study of CS25 subparts.
Workshops on Active Wing regulatory integration were conducted.
Aeroelastic design refinements addressed critical stress and flutter concerns.
High Voltage Distribution (HVD):
EASA approved the latest Concept of Operations (ConOps) version.
Progress made in regulatory gap analysis for high-voltage systems.
Collaboration established with relevant Clean Aviation projects (HERA, HE-ART).
Safety assessments and battery standards discussions initiated.
Hydrogen (H2) PoC:
Deliverable D3.3 prepared in cooperation with EASA, pending feedback.
Continued work on regulatory risk assessments and fire/leak simulation methodologies.
Virtual testing and hybrid test setups for tank design and material evaluations.
Key milestones achieved in modeling updates and certification roadmap studies.
WP4 – Means of Compliance & Demonstrations
Iron Bird Test Bench: Hardware integration achieved with real-time simulations.
Active Wing Validation Aircraft (EVA): Aerodynamic modeling refined; structural testing completed.
Hydrogen Storage & Safety: Leak and fire simulations advanced with hybrid testing techniques.
Collaborative work between Dassault Aviation, DLR, ONERA, and other partners strengthened PoC execution.
WP5 – Digital Certification Framework
Progress made in digital standards development and action plans for IT frameworks.
Collaboration with IRT St Exupery and Collins for architecture studies.
Demonstration specifications prepared for high-level implementations.
WP6 – Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation
Project visibility increased through conference participation and media engagement.
Social media campaigns, scientific articles, and newsletters published.
A new Zenodo publication, "Hydrogen Aircraft Certification: Determination of Regulatory Gaps," shared with industry stakeholders.
WP7 – Project Management & Oversight
Governance and administrative modifications implemented to enhance project oversight.
The GAM amendment process was initiated and updated with beneficiary input.
Synergies between Clean Aviation projects were established for certification frameworks.
Overall Performance Execution Assessment
The CONCERTO project has demonstrated strong execution in 2024, with consistent progress across all work packages. Despite minor delays in some PoC validation activities, risk assessments, and regulatory approvals, the overall trajectory remains positive. The integration of CRL into standardisation efforts and the high engagement with EASA and industry partners reflect the project's impact on the future of aviation certification. The finalisation of key deliverables in Q4 sets the stage for continued success in 2025.
The year 2024 was marked by significant advancements and key milestones across all Work Packages (WPs) within the CONCERTO project. Throughout the four quarters, major progress was achieved in refining interfaces and cooperation plans, establishing regulatory frameworks, implementing new means of compliance, and advancing proof-of-concept (PoC) studies for Active Wing (AW), High Voltage Distribution (HVD), and Hydrogen (H2) systems. Despite some delays due to resource constraints and regulatory engagements, the project remained on track, with key deliverables successfully submitted and validated.
Activities Performed vs. Plan
WP1 – Interfaces & Cooperation Plan
Monthly meetings with sub-WP1 leaders ensured alignment and deliverable tracking.
Coordination and data exchange with SMR, HER, and H2 Thrust projects were enhanced.
A Linked Project Mapping deliverable (D1.1) was finalized and approved in December.
Participation in key industry events such as the GIFAS event and Clean Aviation workshops facilitated increased collaboration with external projects.
Dedicated meetings were organized with ALBATROS and COCOLIH2T projects.
WP2 – Certification Readiness & Standardization
The Certification Readiness Level (CRL) scale was formally defined and integrated into the BNAE RG AERO 00-050 standard.
Discussions with EASA on incorporating the CRL into regulatory frameworks continued.
Presentations at multiple forums (GIFAS, Boeing, AIAA) contributed to the wider adoption of CRL principles.
An updated version of deliverable D2.3 was prepared for finalization.
WP3 – Regulations, Rules & Proof-of-Concept Developments
Active Wing (AW):
EASA review and feedback incorporation on the generic concept.
Regulatory gap analysis progressed, including the study of CS25 subparts.
Workshops on Active Wing regulatory integration were conducted.
Aeroelastic design refinements addressed critical stress and flutter concerns.
High Voltage Distribution (HVD):
EASA approved the latest Concept of Operations (ConOps) version.
Progress made in regulatory gap analysis for high-voltage systems.
Collaboration established with relevant Clean Aviation projects (HERA, HE-ART).
Safety assessments and battery standards discussions initiated.
Hydrogen (H2) PoC:
Deliverable D3.3 prepared in cooperation with EASA, pending feedback.
Continued work on regulatory risk assessments and fire/leak simulation methodologies.
Virtual testing and hybrid test setups for tank design and material evaluations.
Key milestones achieved in modeling updates and certification roadmap studies.
WP4 – Means of Compliance & Demonstrations
Iron Bird Test Bench: Hardware integration achieved with real-time simulations.
Active Wing Validation Aircraft (EVA): Aerodynamic modeling refined; structural testing completed.
Hydrogen Storage & Safety: Leak and fire simulations advanced with hybrid testing techniques.
Collaborative work between Dassault Aviation, DLR, ONERA, and other partners strengthened PoC execution.
WP5 – Digital Certification Framework
Progress made in digital standards development and action plans for IT frameworks.
Collaboration with IRT St Exupery and Collins for architecture studies.
Demonstration specifications prepared for high-level implementations.
WP6 – Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation
Project visibility increased through conference participation and media engagement.
Social media campaigns, scientific articles, and newsletters published.
A new Zenodo publication, "Hydrogen Aircraft Certification: Determination of Regulatory Gaps," shared with industry stakeholders.
WP7 – Project Management & Oversight
Governance and administrative modifications implemented to enhance project oversight.
The GAM amendment process was initiated and updated with beneficiary input.
Synergies between Clean Aviation projects were established for certification frameworks.
Overall Performance Execution Assessment
The CONCERTO project has demonstrated strong execution in 2024, with consistent progress across all work packages. Despite minor delays in some PoC validation activities, risk assessments, and regulatory approvals, the overall trajectory remains positive. The integration of CRL into standardisation efforts and the high engagement with EASA and industry partners reflect the project's impact on the future of aviation certification. The finalisation of key deliverables in Q4 sets the stage for continued success in 2025.
For the impact monitoring, the transversal project CONCERTO deserves a special note, as it addresses novel certification methods and means of compliance for the disruptive technologies developed in the Clean Aviation programme. It is the first time in an European aviation research programme that certification issues are addressed so early and from the beginning of the technology development. This transversal project has issued a first draft definition of a CRL (Certification Readiness Level) scale, aiming at tracking the evolution in terms of maturity on the route to certification. This implies close collaboration with EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Not only in CONCERTO, but every Clean Aviation project has been requested to include a specific budget for cooperation and exchanges with EASA in order to identify gaps in the current certification requirements and develop new means of compliance in order to accelerate time-to-market.