These aircraft concepts for regional, short-haul and medium-haul routes could enable climate-compatible global aviation from 2040 onwards, without compromising economic efficiency. From top to bottom: Conventional short-haul turbofan concept – powered by synthetic kerosene; Hydrogen-powered mild hybrid-electric propulsion concept – designed for short ranges, featuring open propellers (turboprop); Hydrogen-powered mild hybrid-electric propulsion concept – designed for short ranges, featuring shrouded propellers (turbofan); Regional hybrid battery-electric propulsion concept – featuring distributed propulsion.
Three favourite concepts promise to reduce the climate impact by 70 to 90 percent while not becoming more expensive to operate compared to current aircraft with the same number of passengers.
EXACT (EXploration of electric Aircraft Concepts and Technologies) is one of the most comprehensive studies of sustainable aviation ever conducted. The project aims to identify the most promising technologies of the future and develop highly detailed digital designs for low-emission passenger aircraft to be deployed from 2040 onwards. These aircraft are expected to significantly reduce the climate impact of global aviation while ensuring it remains economically viable.
As part of the EXACT project, scientists have designed and analysed a wide range of aircraft configurations. By systematically evaluating their ecological and economic potential, researchers have identified the most promising concepts for regional, short-haul and medium-haul flights – including those with hybrid-electric or hydrogen-based propulsion systems. In the project's second phase, three of the most promising configurations will be further developed and studied in greater detail. The project scope will also expand to include long-haul aircraft concepts, with a focus on quantifying uncertainties.
A complex, custom-built simulation framework serves as the foundation for these holistic analyses. Drawing on expertise from 20 specialist disciplines, it digitally integrates diverse research findings. This enables the precise modelling and evaluation of numerous factors, from detailed aircraft design to energy production and climate impact. Beyond propulsion technologies, the project considers the entire life cycle of an aircraft – from production and operational use to decommissioning and recycling. The provision and application of renewable energy sources, including hydrogen, batteries and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), are also key aspects of the study.
