HyperMorpH project “Synergistic Integration of Hyperconducting Electric Propulsion and Composite Structures with Intelligent Morphing for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation” brings together seven leading research institutes, universities and specialist companies. Our aim is to develop a new class of propulsion technology for the hydrogen-powered aircraft of tomorrow.
The project is built on a single, powerful insight: when liquid hydrogen becomes the fuel of choice for zero-emission aircraft, its extreme cold becomes an opportunity, not just a challenge. By using that cryogenic environment to improve the performance of electric propulsion systems, HyperMorpH aims to unlock a new generation of lightweight, ultra-efficient motors that conventional cooling can never achieve.
At the same time, HyperMorpH explores how these advanced propulsors can work in harmony with the aircraft’s aerodynamic structure. Through self-morphing composite aerostructures and Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) architectures, the project develops an integrated aft-fuselage propulsion concept. It can reduce aerodynamic losses, capture energy from the aircraft’s own boundary layer, and adapt to changing flight conditions in real time.
AI-supported digital tools, including a Digital Twin and intelligent design agents, tie all of this together. They enable concurrent, multidisciplinary optimisation across materials, propulsion and aerostructures in a single integrated workflow.
Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions. But its total climate impact is significantly higher. Reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 will require fundamentally new propulsion concepts. Not just incremental improvements to existing technologies.
HyperMorpH is exploring one of the most promising routes: harnessing the properties of liquid hydrogen to enable cleaner, lighter and more efficient flight.
Read more about Objectivnes and methodology
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101192711.