HERWINGT at the Heart of Clean Aviation Innovation
The HERWINGT project was prominently represented at the 6th Regional Thrust Coordination Meeting of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, held at the EASA Headquarters in Cologne.
Sebastián Pellicer Sotomayor presented the cutting-edge technologies developed within HERWINGT, contributing to the collective vision for ultra-efficient regional aircraft and sustainable aviation.
This meeting brought together key stakeholders to align efforts on hybrid-electric propulsion, regulatory pathways, and technology integration, focusing on:
- Hybrid-electric propulsion for next-generation regional aircraft
- Project synergies, including collaborations fostered by the HERA project
- Regulatory alignment with EASA for streamlined certification processes
- Technology integration and demonstration by 2035
- Collaborative innovation across European initiatives
HERWINGT continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean aviation through advanced technologies and strategic partnerships.
Advancing Wingbox Innovation: HERWINGT Demonstrator Showcased at SAMPE Europe 2025
At the 2025 SAMPE Europe annual event, Gijs J. Brouwer, thermoplastic composites engineer at GKN Fokker Aerospace, presented the latest advancements achieved in the HERWINGT Outboard Wingbox demonstrator.
His presentation highlighted key innovations in thermoplastic in-situ manufacturing for the lower wing skin, as well as the application of thermoset rapid press forming techniques for spar components—underscoring GKN’s contribution to next-generation aircraft structures.
To learn more about this work, watch Episode 1 of the HERWINGT video series, featuring Joost Koopman (leader of the “Technology Enablers” work package) and Gijs Brouwer, Associate Research Engineer at GKN Aerospace.
HERWINGT Issue 4: The Final Chapter of Hardware Demonstrators
The latest edition of our series on cutting-edge hardware demonstrators marks a significant milestone in redefining wing architecture for next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft. From morphing aerodynamic surfaces to advanced fuel systems and innovative ice protection solutions, these breakthroughs aim to deliver smarter, lighter, and more sustainable wing designs—technologies ready to transition from concept to reality.
Read HERWINGT Newsletter, Issue 4
Road to Completion is Set
During the General Assembly in Vienna, the HERWINGT consortium moved forward with renewed determination and focus. Building on the outcomes of the meeting, partners are committed to driving progress, ensuring successful completion of the project, and harnessing the strength of collaboration to deliver impactful results.
With dedication and teamwork, HERWINGT is confidently approaching its final milestones—paving the way for innovative solutions that will shape the future of sustainable regional aviation.
More info in the upcoming HERWINGT Newsletter, Issue 5.
Celebrating Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation
Deborah Neumann de la Cruz, Environmental Officer at Airbus, has been honoured with the Best Presentation Award Certificate at the NATO Research Specialists’ Meeting during the 55th AVT Panel Business Week in Washington, D.C.
Her award-winning study, presented under the HERWINGT project, explores how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can enable the integration of sustainable technologies into future hybrid-electric aircraft. This research paves the way for greener aviation and supports the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal.
The findings of this study were also featured at the 15th EASN International Conference, reinforcing its impact on advancing sustainable aerospace solutions.
Read the press release “Overcoming Challenges in LCA of New Technologies: An Overview of Current Activities for Future Integration in Airbus Defence and Space”.
HERWINGT Video Series – Season 2 is here!
We are excited to announce the launch of Season 2 of the HERWINGT video series, titled “The Demo Series”—your front-row seat to the groundbreaking journey of next-generation aerospace technologies.
With 23 enabling technologies under development, HERWINGT is advancing progress from TRL3 to TRL4, following successful Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews. The definition phase for technology demonstrators is nearly complete, marking a significant milestone toward future innovation.
The first episode is now live, featuring the initial laboratory tests by the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology at Politecnico di Milano, led by Alessandro De Gaspari. These tests focus on a newly assembled morphing trailing edge—a key enabler for improved aircraft efficiency and adaptability.
Stay tuned for more challenging tests in the coming months, leading up to wind tunnel campaigns scheduled for February and March 2026. The future of aerospace innovation is unfolding—don’t miss it!
HERWINGT video series – S02, E01
The project is supported by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking and its members.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor Clean Aviation JU can be held responsible for them.