Safran's Decarbonisation Journey in Aerospace Innovation
Key Ideas
  • Safran, a French aerospace giant, is intensively focusing on decarbonisation through R&T activities, aiming to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency in aviation.
  • The company's RISE commercial engine demonstrator program, along with advancements in materials like PMCs and production techniques such as 3D printing, are key pillars of their decarbonisation strategy.
  • Safran's innovative approaches have already led to significant weight savings in landing gear components and other aircraft parts, contributing to the overall efficiency of their products.
  • While hydrogen propulsion is recognized as a potential avenue for achieving net-zero emissions in aviation, Safran is primarily investing in disruptive engine designs and materials at present for decarbonisation.
Safran, the French aerospace giant, is deeply invested in decarbonisation efforts to align with the aviation industry's ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With a substantial focus on research and technology (R&T) activities, especially in decarbonisation topics, the company has allocated a significant portion of its budget to developing innovative solutions for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. One of the notable projects is the RISE commercial engine demonstrator program, which aims to deliver substantial fuel-burn and emissions savings. Safran is also prioritizing mass reduction through the use of advanced materials like ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and polymer matrix composites (PMCs) as well as exploring new manufacturing techniques like additive layer manufacturing. The company's efforts have already resulted in promising outcomes, with substantial weight savings achieved in landing gear components and other critical parts of aircraft. Additionally, Safran is actively engaging with airframe customers to introduce these advanced components, although certification requirements and customer acceptance pose significant challenges. While hydrogen propulsion remains a topic of interest for achieving net-zero emissions, Safran is presently more focused on disruptive engine designs and advanced materials. The company believes that advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, along with hybrid-electric technologies, will contribute significantly to efficiency gains. Safran acknowledges the potential of hydrogen but emphasizes the lower maturity of the technology compared to other innovative solutions they are pursuing. By prioritizing advancements in engine architectures, materials, and manufacturing, Safran aims to play a key role in driving decarbonisation in the aerospace industry.
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