Deadline: 19-May-2026
The European Commission invites applications to advance aircraft icing certification methodologies, focusing on AI-assisted prediction tools, validation databases, and regulatory roadmaps. Projects may receive up to EUR 12 million over 36 months, aiming to enhance safety, reduce certification costs, and prepare innovative aircraft for entry into service by 2035.
Overview
The European Commission seeks proposals to develop advanced certification methodologies for aircraft operating in icing conditions, supporting safer and more efficient aviation aligned with 2035 entry-into-service goals.
Key objectives include:
- Developing validated numerical, physics-based, and AI-assisted icing prediction tools
- Creating comprehensive validation datasets for ice accretion and aerodynamic effects
- Delivering draft Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for Appendix O icing conditions
- Establishing regulatory roadmaps and certification methodologies
- Strengthening European industrial and research capabilities in icing certification
Funding and Project Scope
- Maximum EU contribution: EUR 12 million
- Project duration: Up to 36 months under an Innovation Action framework
- Project expectations:
- Develop advanced numerical tools using realistic icing scenarios and droplet physics
- Integrate AI-based modelling approaches for improved prediction
- Conduct validation through wind tunnel testing, experimental datasets, and existing flight test data (flight testing is not eligible)
- Expected outcomes:
- Reduced time and cost for compliance
- Improved certification processes
- Enhanced readiness of innovative aircraft technologies for safe entry into service by 2035
Eligibility
Participation is open to:
- Legal entities from EU, associated, and non-associated third countries, including international organizations
- Entities must have recognized legal personality or equivalent capacity to undertake obligations
- Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register to obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) and undergo validation
- Associated partners can participate without signing the grant agreement or claiming funding
- Entities without legal personality may exceptionally participate if representatives assume legal responsibilities and provide financial guarantees
- EU bodies may participate unless restricted; Joint Research Centre participation requires agreed terms
- Associations or groupings may participate as a single beneficiary or without legal personality, provided individual members are formally included in the consortium
Participation Requirements
- SME, RTO, and university participation: At least 15% of total EU contribution must be allocated to eligible Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), or universities
- Projects exceeding the EUR 12 million funding limit are ineligible
How to Apply
- Verify eligibility for your organisation and consortium partners
- Register in the Participant Register to obtain a PIC
- Develop a proposal detailing:
- Numerical and AI-assisted tools
- Validation datasets and methodologies
- Draft AMC development plan
- Regulatory and certification roadmap
- Industrial and research capacity building
- Submit the proposal in line with Horizon Europe requirements before the call deadline
Key Considerations and Tips
- Ensure AI and physics-based modelling are clearly integrated into the project design
- Focus on generating robust, validated datasets for icing and aerodynamic effects
- Highlight contributions to regulatory readiness and European aviation safety standards
- Demonstrate the consortium’s capacity to meet technical, legal, and administrative obligations
- Plan for measurable impact on certification efficiency and entry-into-service readiness
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to EUR 12 million, with a requirement that at least 15% be allocated to SMEs, RTOs, or universities. - What is the project duration?
Up to 36 months under an Innovation Action framework. - Are flight tests eligible under this call?
No, validation relies on wind tunnel testing, experimental datasets, and existing flight test data. - Who can participate?
Legal entities, associations, groupings, and in exceptional cases, entities without legal personality, including EU, associated, and non-associated third-country organizations. - How should affiliated and associated entities participate?
Affiliated entities must meet eligibility conditions; associated partners can participate without signing the grant agreement or claiming funding. - Is AI integration required?
Yes, proposals should incorporate AI-assisted modelling for icing prediction. - How is consortium registration handled?
All beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register and obtain a PIC prior to signing the grant agreement.
Conclusion
This European Commission initiative advances safer, more efficient aircraft operations by enhancing icing certification methodologies. By leveraging AI, validated datasets, and regulatory roadmaps, selected projects will strengthen European industrial and research capacity while supporting innovative aircraft readiness for 2035.
For more information, visit European Commission.