Technological innovations spotlighted at Farnborough Airshow amid sustainability goals

RTX, which includes Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, exemplifies this approach with programs like HECATE (hybrid-electric regional aircraft distribution technologies), STEP-Tech (scalable turboelectric powertrain technology), and SWITCH (sustainable water injection turbofan comprising hybrid electrics). These initiatives aim to increase power ratings from 500 kilowatts to 20 megawatts for future narrowbodies.

Airbus is considering hydrogen propulsion as part of its future strategy. The company is evaluating concepts from its ZeroE program to potentially deliver an aircraft capable of carrying 200 people over 2,000 nautical miles by 2035. Rolls-Royce is also exploring hydrogen as a fuel in one of its Pearl business jet engines.

Start-ups like ZeroAvia are working on converting existing regional airliners to hydrogen propulsion. Other companies such as Heart Aerospace and Maeve are developing clean-sheet aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion systems for carrying 30 and 80 passengers, respectively.

In the defense sector, technological advancements are centered around the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter being developed by industries in the UK, Italy, and Japan. The GCAP fighter features advanced aerodynamics, more efficient engines, stealth capabilities, and sophisticated sensors including radar, infrared, and electronic warfare systems. These sensors provide high situational awareness by automatically fusing data within the system using artificial intelligence.

The GCAP fighter is designed to operate as part of a "system of systems," which includes uncrewed air vehicles known as loyal wingmen or remote carriers. These support missions by handling tasks deemed "dull, dirty, dangerous, and difficult." Data from various sources contribute to an overall network or "combat cloud," requiring extensive computing power and AI algorithms to convert it into actionable intelligence while delegating less critical tactical decisions.