European research project Clean Sky is now entering its second phase, as Clean Sky 2 was launched in 2014. With about €4 billion in funding–€1.8 billion from the EU, €1.2 billion from the industry and €1 billion from additional activities–it is going further than its predecessor. Rolls-Royce, Snecma, Turbomeca and MTU gathered on Tuesday here at the Paris Air Show to present their teams’ research.
Clean Sky 2 targets are clear but very ambitious. By 2035, in comparison with 2014 performance, the program wants to achieve cuts of 20 to 30 percent in CO2 emissions, 20 to 40 percent in NOx emissions and 75 percent reduction in noise footprint.
To achieve these targets, the Clean Sky joint undertaking has put a focus on engines under an effort called SAGE, which stands for sustainable and green engines. SAGE 1 and 2 teams are working on two open-rotor demonstrators; SAGE 3 is working on a large three-shaft turbofan; SAGE 4 is focused on a geared turbofan; SAGE 5 on a turboshaft; and SAGE 6 is looking at a lean burner.
Snecma (Hall 2a A228) is building a ground-test demonstrator for a contra-rotating open rotor. It will start operating, in the framework of SAGE 2, in 2016. A flight-test demonstrator is also planned, with manufacturing slated for 2018 and flight testing to start in 2021.
MTU is working on the SAGE 4 geared turbofan. The concept offers further potential for increasing bypass ratios and cycle efficiency, explained Gerhard Ebenhoc, head of the program. Using this architecture and further technologies, MTU intends to reduce noise by 65 percent and CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2050. One of the technologies employed will be electric actuators for variable guide vanes.
Meanwhile, Turbomeca has broadened its usual scope–helicopters engines–to business and regional turboprops. An objective is to design and ground-test a new turboprop engine demonstrator.