Project HEART - Phase 3

HEART (Hydrogen- Electric and Automated Regional Transportation) is a programme that will demonstrate a viable regional transport network that is zero carbon, affordable, scalable and safe. It is aimed at sub-regional aviation (typically using 9-19 passenger aircraft, with circa 100 licensed airfields around the UK) with an objective to enable a commercially viable, innovative and eco-friendly network that provides a passenger experience giving door-to-door travel options, improved convenience, flexibility and travel information along with visibility of carbon footprint.

The HEART programme will address the following key areas:
* Aircraft with hydrogen fuel cell and electric powertrains in order to significantly reduce cost of operations and help improve operational reliability, along with developing a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the infrastructure and aircraft.
* Implementation of green hydrogen infrastructure (production storage and refuelling) with consideration of transport and distribution solutions.
* Use of configurable aircraft flight control automation, including pilot assistance pilot during high workload; enabling higher operational safety and scalability.
* Use of hybrid connectivity solutions to assist in datalink operation, mission critical communication, as well as enabling in-cabin passenger services.
* The design of new, low-cost, modular and scalable airport terminal technology concepts. These will be brought to life through simulation, modelling and technical demonstrations through the use of Virtual Reality, to demonstrate enhanced passenger experience.
* Usage of autonomous airside ground systems to facilitate rapid aircraft turn-around times, including automated baggage and cargo loading/unloading and refuelling operations, increasing operational safety, reducing operating costs and enabling scale-up of operations.
* Integration of the HEART network with other transportation modes through use of mobility-as-a-services solutions that support door-to-door journey views with new and legacy transport modes. Dynamic in-journey updates to simplify and smooth the travel experience.
* Understanding and addressing societal concerns such as safety of hydrogen-electric powertrains, dependence on new levels of automation and technologies.
* Understanding wider considerations for passengers with reduced mobility or other concerns, with particular focus on accessibility (and egress) of regional network type aircraft without “airbridge” connectivity.

The HEART programme will create compound demonstrations that showcase the vision of a 'Day-in-the-life' of a deployed network through a range of events, including
• flight trials utilising aircraft with hydrogen-electric powertrain;
• configurable autonomous flight control solutions, via UAS and a regional aircraft trial, including pilot support systems and key safety technologies;
• Immersive VR experience of the overall traveller journey, including through new design of airport terminal;
• Digital Twin/Simulations of operating services, including autonomous baggage/cargo handling;
• Demonstration of accessibility approaches for passengers of reduced mobility.

These will be supported with other demonstration facets, such as wider simulation and analysis, that show various detail assessments in support of the overall viability of the operational considerations.
Finally, individual elements of the journey HEART will be reported through various media and engagement methods. The overall story of Project HEART will also be captured and reported in hardcopy form that will facilitate a longer-term legacy, engagement and exploitation of the range of achievements accomplished by the consortium partners.