Reaction Engines Joins Consortium to Develop Thermal Management Solutions for Hybrid-electric Aircraft

Reaction Engines announces that it has joined the Thermal Management for Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft (TheMa4HERA) consortium which is researching and developing thermal management components and architectures for next-generation narrow body and regional, hybrid-electric aircraft.

The pan-European consortium is led by Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and features the participation of 24 existing partners from universities, research centres, equipment manufacturers and aircraft manufacturers.

Through its work, TheMa4HERA aims to develop and mature lightweight thermal management systems that will enable the reduction in carbon emissions from next-generation aircraft. Reaction Engines will bring to the consortium its expertise in developing innovative thermal management solutions for aerospace and other applications and will assist with TheMa4HERA’s review of thermal management technologies and development of new systems.

Next generation aircraft, particularly hybrid-electric powered, will require more efficient and lightweight thermal management solutions. Reaction Engines will work with other TheMa4HERA partners across various project workstreams, to develop innovative solutions including research on thermal management architecture and systems cooling, as well as testing and demonstration of components and systems.

Tom Burvill, Director, Applied Technologies, Reaction Engines said: “Our transformative thermal management technology provides a step change in performance, efficiency and sustainability and is a genuine enabler of zero-emissions aerospace. Decarbonizing the aerospace industry is one of the most significant challenges facing humankind today, and we are committed to creating solutions that promote sustainability and clean aviation. We are delighted to be working with Honeywell on the TheMa4HERA project that will accelerate the roadmap to net zero aviation.”

The TheMa4HERA project is supported by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, the EU’s research and innovation programme for transforming aviation toward a sustainable and climate-neutral future. The programme is providing €700 million funding for over 20 separate sustainability projects researching disruptive technology for use in climate-neutral aircraft of the future.

In addition, Reaction Engines has also joined the Project NEWBORN consortium supported by the Clean Aviation programme, which will develop a new generation of hydrogen fuel cells for the aviation industry, demonstrating the applicability of the Company’s thermal management solutions across multiple zero-emissions technology pathways.