AI-assisted digital aircraft design, manufacturing and MRO, towards a competitive aviation

 

SCOPE & EXPECTED OUTCOMES :

 

It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the European aviation sector by accelerating the development and deployment of robust AI capabilities that integrate with digital twins and virtual product environments covering aircraft systems, propulsion, aerostructures, and associated supply chains.

The call supports research and innovation actions (RIA) that explore advanced AI tools to improve design efficiency, manufacturing processes, and optimized MRO operations in aviation, contributing to Europe’s green and digital transition within the transport sector. 

 

Projects funded under this topic are expected to develop and demonstrate:

• AI-assisted digital aircraft design and redesign tools, including collaboration with or advancement of digital twins for systems simulation and evaluation.
• AI tools for requirements definition, validation and verification to streamline system design activities.
• AI-driven manufacturing innovations to increase efficiency and quality across aircraft production processes.
• AI applications in aircraft operation and condition monitoring, including predictive systems.
• AI methods for advanced MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) that maximize reliability and lifecycle value.

 

The development of these AI capabilities should support digital trustworthiness, robustness, safety compliance and interoperability with existing aviation standards and digital infrastructures.

 

Successful projects should contribute to outcomes such as:

• Improved efficiency, accuracy and validation in aircraft system design through AI.
• Enhanced productivity and resilience of manufacturing and MRO processes via AI-assisted tools.
• Strengthened European competitiveness in digital aviation technologies leveraging AI and digital twins.

 

The consortium should gather at least 3 independent legal entities. These partners must be from 3 different countries (EU or Associated), with at least one from an EU Member State.

Must be established in an EU Member State or Associated Country, or a third country as explicitly eligible in Horizon Europe.

Any legal entity with operational and financial capacity can participate: Universities, research centres, hospitals, SMEs and start-ups, NGOs, patient associations, public bodies, SSH experts, …