Distributed Electrical Aerospace Propulsion (DEAP)

This project is researching key innovative technologies that will enable improved fuel economy and reduced emissions for future aircraft configurations having distributed propulsion (DP) and boundary layer ingestion (BLI). Relative to existing civil aircraft, the propulsion system will be much more closely integrated into the airframe design. Distributed fans ingest boundary layer airstreams from the wings/fuselage of the aircraft and re-accelerate them to produce thrust more efficiently than current engines. The key enabling technology is the transfer of electrical power from a few main engines to a number of distributed fans. To quantify the benefits, the project will study fan designs optimised for BLI and electrical transmission systems. EADS, Rolls-Royce (RR) and Cranfield University, with some testing work subcontracted to Cambridge University will deliver a preferred electrical DP system to support the future design of eco-friendly efficient aircraft.