Operational Impact
of new propulsion
systems in Aviation

Funded by: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Project Agency: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.

About OpAL

The “OpAL” project focus on the operational effects of new propulsion technologies at an early stage.

OpAL considers the operational processes from the operator’s perspective, which entail the introduction of new aircraft types with new performance profiles,

as well as requirements in pilot training and ground handling.

The main motivation behind the OpAL project is to drive sustainability in the aviation sector. It seeks to accomplish this by integrating and operationalizing innovative propulsion technologies such as hydrogen-based systems, electric and hybrid-electric engines, and sustainable aviation fuels.

The project aims to fully understand the operational complexities and challenges associated with adopting these technologies within the existing aviation infrastructure.

By doing so, OpAL strives to reduce environmental impact, including emissions, while maintaining the efficiency and safety of aviation operations. Ultimately, the primary
motivation is to pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for air travel.

Motivation

Main Workpackages

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

OPERATIONAL PROCESSES

INFRASTRUCTURE

COST & EFFICIENCY

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Main Goals of OpAL

The focus should be on how these partially disruptive technologies can be incorporated into the existing air traffic system and at what point the current system must be adapted or implemented. Therefore the results from OpAL, can taken into the development of propulsion technologies as well as new aircraft designs.

OpAL Project Members and Partner

Domains and Topics

Overview

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

New propulsion/energy sources, use cases of hydrogen in aviation, new planning algorithms, AI, new mobilty concepts (UAM)

OPERATIONS

Flight and fleet planning/scheduling, regulations, training, maintenance, turnaraounf, MEL, mixed fleet planning, supply trucks/vehicles, operation planning, gate allocation

INFRASTRUCTURE

Supply and storage of new fuel/electricity at the airport & aircraft (underfloor fueling, additional fueling trucks), fire fighters, software, connection between Vertiports and gates

COST & EFFICIENCY

Cost for infrastrucutre, training, operator cost, planning cost/efficiency, new business model, Hydrogen at the airport

HOLISTIC REVIEW

Social acceptance, business case analyses for airline and airport, environmental aspects, technical feasibility

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & EMISSIONS

Pollutant and noise emissions, as well as contrails, are significant factors in evaluating sustainability.
These aspects will be addressed as a distinct topic within the OPAL project but sourced from other projects specifically focused on environmental impacts.