Deadline: 19-May-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to develop and demonstrate a low power Ice Protection System (IPS) for the wing and empennage of next-generation ultra-efficient regional aircraft using hybrid-electric propulsion. The call supports technologies targeting ground demonstration up to TRL5 under EASA CS-25 icing conditions, with a total available budget of €329.5 million under the broader call framework.
About the Funding Opportunity
This funding opportunity focuses on advancing innovative ice protection technologies for future ultra-efficient regional aircraft.
The main objective is to develop and demonstrate a:
- Low power Ice Protection System (IPS)
- For the wing and empennage
- Designed for hybrid-electric regional aircraft
- Suitable for next-generation sustainable aviation platforms
The system must be:
- Lightweight
- Low-drag
- Energy-efficient
- Compatible with the limited non-propulsive power available in regional hybrid-electric aircraft
What the Project Should Achieve
Proposals should aim to:
- Develop advanced ice protection solutions
- Reduce power demand compared to conventional systems
- Maintain aerodynamic efficiency
- Ensure compatibility with hybrid-electric propulsion concepts
- Demonstrate system performance in realistic certification-like conditions
A major target is:
- Ground demonstration up to TRL5
This means the technology should be validated in a relevant environment before future aircraft integration.
Technical Focus
The project is expected to address:
- Ice protection for the wing
- Ice protection for the empennage
- Operation under representative EASA CS-25 icing conditions
- Low energy consumption
- Minimal aerodynamic penalties
- Readiness for future certification pathways
Expected Outcome
The expected result is a validated low power ice protection system that has been tested under realistic ground-based icing conditions.
This should provide:
- Confidence in technical feasibility
- Evidence of performance under certification-relevant scenarios
- Better suitability for integration into hybrid-electric aircraft
- Progress toward more sustainable regional aviation
Funding Available
- Total budget mentioned: €329,500,000
Important note: This appears to be the broader call budget/framework total, not necessarily the exact budget for this single topic. Applicants should verify the specific topic budget on the official Horizon Europe / European Commission call page.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to a wide range of participants.
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity
- International organisations
- Entities from:
- EU Member States
- Associated countries
- Non-associated third countries (if permitted under the call conditions)
This is subject to compliance with:
- Horizon Europe Regulation
- The specific call conditions
Eligibility Notes
Eligible participants may include:
- Organisations with legal personality
- Other entities recognised under applicable legal frameworks
Participant Registration Requirement
Applicants must register in the Participant Register to obtain a:
- Participant Identification Code (PIC)
Important PIC Rule
- A validated PIC is not required at the application stage
- But it will be required before signing the grant agreement
During grant preparation, applicants must provide documents confirming:
- Legal status
- Origin / establishment
- Other required eligibility details
Why This Call Matters
This call is significant because it supports innovation at the intersection of:
- Sustainable aviation
- Hybrid-electric propulsion
- Aircraft safety
- Energy efficiency
- Aerodynamic performance
It is especially relevant for organisations working on:
- Aircraft systems
- Icing technologies
- Aerospace materials
- Thermal systems
- Electrified aviation platforms
How to Apply
Suggested Steps
- Review the official European Commission / Horizon Europe topic page
- Confirm the exact topic scope and topic-specific budget
- Build a technically strong proposal focused on:
- Low power IPS
- Wing and empennage protection
- TRL5 ground demonstration
- EASA CS-25 icing conditions
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a PIC
- Prepare legal and organisational documentation for later validation
- Submit through the official EU Funding & Tenders portal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the €329.5 million is the budget for only this single topic
- Ignoring TRL5 demonstration requirements
- Proposing solutions with excessive power demand
- Failing to address wing and empennage together if required
- Not aligning with EASA CS-25 icing conditions
- Delaying PIC registration
Quick Facts
- Funder: European Commission
- Programme Context: Horizon Europe (subject to official topic confirmation)
- Focus: Low power Ice Protection System for hybrid-electric regional aircraft
- Target Aircraft: Ultra-efficient regional aircraft
- Technology Goal: Ground demonstration up to TRL5
- Testing Context: EASA CS-25 icing conditions
- Budget Mentioned: €329,500,000 (likely broader call budget)
- Eligibility: Any legal entity meeting call rules
- Registration Needed: PIC via Participant Register
FAQ
1. What is the main goal of this call?
To develop and demonstrate a low power ice protection system for the wing and empennage of hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
2. What technology readiness level is expected?
The call targets TRL5 ground demonstration in a relevant environment.
3. What conditions should the system be tested under?
Under representative EASA CS-25 icing conditions.
4. Who can apply?
Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and, in some cases, entities from non-associated third countries.
5. Is a PIC required before applying?
You need a PIC to participate, but a validated PIC is not required at the application stage.
6. Is the €329.5 million budget for this exact topic?
Not necessarily. It likely reflects the broader call budget, so applicants should confirm the topic-specific allocation on the official call page.
Conclusion
This European Commission funding opportunity offers strong potential for organisations developing next-generation ice protection systems for hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
With a focus on TRL5 demonstration, low power operation, and certification-relevant icing performance, the call is particularly relevant for aerospace innovators working toward safer and more sustainable regional aviation.
For more information, visit European Commission (EC).
