HII Leads Expanding Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Consortium

HII has emerged as the lead in an expanding consortium focused on advancing hybrid-electric aviation technologies. Conflux Technology is the latest company to join Honeywell’s Thermal Management for Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft (TheMa4HERA) initiative, part of the European Union’s Clean Aviation program aimed at creating more efficient and sustainable aircraft systems.

The project is developing next-generation thermal management systems that are critical for hybrid-electric regional aircraft, which require more robust and lightweight solutions to handle increased power demands. Conflux will contribute its expertise in additively manufactured (3D-printed) heat exchangers, designing components for both air and vapor cycle systems to improve performance while reducing weight.

Honeywell, which oversees the consortium, said the collaboration is key to achieving the program’s goal of raising heat exchanger technologies to Technology Readiness Level 5 by 2026. This milestone will help pave the way for certifying hybrid-electric aircraft systems later this decade.

Hybrid-electric propulsion is widely regarded as an essential step toward decarbonizing regional air travel. By improving thermal efficiency, the consortium’s work is expected to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions for future aircraft, while also enhancing safety and reliability.

Industry analysts note that partnerships like TheMa4HERA are vital for accelerating innovation and meeting ambitious sustainability targets in aviation. With Conflux now on board, the project gains additional technical expertise, positioning the consortium to make significant advances in lightweight thermal management systems for the next generation of regional aircraft.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com