Titolo completo

Le nuove frontiere della propulsione aeronautica tra sfide tecnologiche, sostenibilità ambientale e sicurezza nazionale

The future of aviation is increasingly geared towards sustainability and decarbonisation, driving innovation towards solutions capable of reducing fuel consumption, emissions and noise pollution. The main research and development programmes are focused on new engine architectures, hybrid-electric propulsion systems and advanced turboprops, as well as on the use of sustainable fuels such as SAFs and hydrogen. At the same time, in the military domain – which shares strong synergies with the civil sector – there is a growing need for efficient energy management in increasingly complex aircraft, such as sixth-generation platforms conceived as “systems of systems”. In this context, the evolution towards “power and propulsion” systems aims to integrate thrust and electricity generation, supplying energy to the numerous onboard systems. This requires the development of new materials and technologies capable of minimising thermal signature and, consequently, observability. The resulting challenges – technological, industrial, financial and governance-related – call for enhanced collaboration across the entire aeronautical propulsion value chain, from prime contractors to SMEs, start-ups, research centres and universities. The goal is to strengthen national capabilities and make the European system competitive and resilient in facing the challenges of the sustainable transition.

Study presented at the seminar “Le nuove frontiere della propulsione aeronautica tra sfide tecnologiche, sostenibilità ambientale e sicurezza nazionale”, held in Rome on 25 September 2025.