{"id":1046,"date":"2026-05-26T14:24:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/?page_id=1046"},"modified":"2026-05-26T14:57:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:57:26","slug":"atlas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/?page_id=1046","title":{"rendered":"ATLAS"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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ATLAS Cluster: Advancing Next-Generation Aircraft through Materials, Manufacturing and Digital Innovation <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The ATLAS<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>(<\/span><\/span><\/span>Advanced Technologies for Lightweight Aerostructures and Sustainability<\/span><\/span><\/span>)\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Cluster brings together five Horizon Europe-funded projects<\/strong> under the topic HORIZON-CL5-2024-D5-01-08, forming a coordinated effort to accelerate innovation in\u00a0<\/span>aircraft<\/span>\u00a0materials, manufacturing processes, and certification methodologies.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Created in response to a shared challenge within the European aviation ecosystem, the cluster fosters collaboration,<\/strong> knowledge exchange,<\/strong> and alignment<\/strong> across complementary research initiatives.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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A shared vision for the future of aviation <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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As the aviation sector moves toward climate neutrality, it faces increasing demands for lighter, stronger, and more sustainable materials, alongside faster and more reliable certification pathways. The ATLAS Cluster addresses these challenges by combining\u00a0expertise\u00a0in advanced materials, digital modelling, process optimisation, and testing frameworks.<\/span> Together, the five HE-funded projects work toward a common goal: to enable safer, more efficient, and more sustainable aircraft through integrated digital and physical innovation across the entire development lifecycle. <\/span>By aligning methodologies and sharing insights, the cluster strengthens the impact of each individual project while contributing to a more cohesive European research landscape.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Projects<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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CompSTLar<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>

CompSTLar\u00a0<\/strong>focuses on advancing the design, manufacturing, and validation of next-generation composite structures for aeronautical applications. The project targets key challenges associated with composite materials, including structural integrity, durability under operational loads, and lifecycle performance.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>A central\u00a0objective\u00a0of\u00a0CompSTLar\u00a0<\/strong>is to develop innovative structural concepts and manufacturing approaches that enable mores sustainable and lighter yet more resilient\u00a0aircraft\u00a0components. This includes work on thermoplastic material architectures, joining techniques, repair processes, integrated\u00a0sensors\u00a0and damage tolerance strategies. The project also integrates advanced simulation and testing methodologies to better predict structural behaviour under real operating conditions.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>By improving confidence in composite performance and enabling more efficient design processes,\u00a0CompSTLar\u00a0<\/strong>contributes to reducing\u00a0aircraft\u00a0weight, lowering fuel consumption, and supporting the broader sustainability goals of the aviation sector.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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PLEIADES<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

The\u00a0main focus\u00a0of the PLEIADES<\/strong> project is to promote the further development of composite materials for\u00a0aircraft\u00a0structures. Due to the changing market environment and increasing demands on the aviation industry, there is\u2014and will continue to be\u2014a\u00a0significant rise in demand for advanced materials in aircraft manufacturing that are lightweight and capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, ultimately\u00a0leading to improved aircraft performance and cost savings.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>The PLEIADES<\/strong> project aims to address these needs, making significant steps towards meeting the industry\u2019s requirements through its proposed solution. PLEIADES<\/strong> brings together different disciplines and key technologies that will contribute to advancing further composite aerostructures and promote the digital transformation in aviation.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>PLEIADES<\/strong> multiple disciplines extend across a wide variety, such as formulations and characterization of new composite materials, automation of induction welding processes for composites\u00a0leveraging\u00a0integrated sensing, disassembly of composites joints,\u00a0healing\u00a0and maintenance schedules. These will be complemented by the development of passive PIC based multi-sensors, the development of a unified quality assurance (QA) – structural health monitoring (SHM)\u00a0methodology, the extensive modelling for induction welding and the development of material, healing, damage propagation, and de-icing models.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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TOSCA<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

TOSCA<\/strong> addresses the critical role of manufacturing in delivering high-performance aeronautical components. The project focuses on enhancing process understanding, monitoring, and control to ensure consistent quality and improved efficiency in the production of composite parts made from\u00a0vitrimer\u00a0resin.<\/span>
<\/span>The project develops and applies data-driven and physics-based approaches to analyse how variations in process parameters affect final\u00a0component\u00a0properties. This includes the integration of sensors, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive models to detect and mitigate defects during manufacturing.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>TOSCA<\/strong> also works on optimising process chains, ensuring that manufacturing steps are better aligned and more robust against variability. By increasing repeatability and reducing waste, the project contributes to more sustainable and cost-effective production systems.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Ultimately, TOSCA\u00a0<\/strong>strengthens the link between design and manufacturing, enabling the reliable industrialisation of innovative materials and technologies for next-generation\u00a0aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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HyperMorpH<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

HyperMorpH<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>aims to develop the next generation of hybrid-electric, hydrogen-powered\u00a0<\/span>aircraft<\/span>\u00a0propulsion systems by integrating cryogenically cooled\u00a0<\/span>hyperconducting<\/span>\u00a0motors with advanced morphing composite structures. Leveraging liquid hydrogen for cooling, the project enables ultra-light, high-power-density motors built from thermoplastic-based composites\u00a0<\/span>optimized<\/span>\u00a0for extreme thermal and electromagnetic environments. These motors will be integrated into an aero-optimized airframe featuring morphing intake structures that adapt geometry to airflow conditions, enhancing efficiency and mitigating fan blade loading.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Morphing technolog<\/span>y in <\/span>HyperMorpH\u00a0<\/strong>couples<\/span>\u00a0aerodynamics and propulsion to improve boundary layer ingestion, reduce drag, and\u00a0<\/span>optimize<\/span>\u00a0load control. Development relies on simulation and data-driven methods\u00a0<\/span>validated<\/span>\u00a0through extensive testing. Three demonstrators will\u00a0<\/span>showcase<\/span>\u00a0the innovations: a lab-scale\u00a0<\/span>hyperconducting<\/span>\u00a0motor (\u201c<\/span>motorette<\/span>\u201d),\u00a0<\/span>an aircraft<\/span>\u00a0section with morphing intake and rotor tip casing in thermoplastic composites, and a tail mock-up integrating a BLI propulsor, composite structures, and intelligent actuators<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>targeting TRL4 validation for ultra-efficient hydrogen propulsion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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pAIramid<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

pAIramid\u00a0<\/strong>develops an integrated digital framework to transform how materials and manufacturing processes are qualified and certified in the aviation sector. The project brings together modelling, simulation, and experimental validation into a unified approach that supports faster and more reliable decision-making.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>A key innovation within\u00a0pAIramid\u00a0<\/strong>is its suite of digital tools designed to simulate material behaviour and process outcomes under a wide range of conditions. These include assessments of mechanical performance, thermal properties, and electromagnetic behaviour, as well as the evaluation of how variations in manufacturing processes impact final\u00a0component\u00a0quality.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>The project also focuses on enabling virtual certification pathways, where digital evidence complements or partially replaces traditional testing. By linking component-level simulations with system-level validation scenarios,\u00a0pAIramid\u00a0<\/strong>helps bridge the gap between design, manufacturing, and certification.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Through this approach,\u00a0pAIramid\u00a0<\/strong>aims to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with qualification processes, while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0high safety standards and supporting the adoption of innovative materials and manufacturing techniques.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Strength through collaboration<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

The ATLAS<\/strong> Cluster exemplifies the value of coordinated research in tackling complex, system-level challenges. By connecting projects that span materials science, manufacturing, digitalisation, and propulsion, the cluster creates synergies that extend beyond individual outcomes.<\/span><\/p>

Through joint activities, shared dissemination efforts, and continuous knowledge exchange, ATLAS<\/strong> contributes to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  • Faster innovation cycles in\u00a0aircraft\u00a0development<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  • Improved certification methodologies<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  • Reduced environmental impact across the aviation lifecycle<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>
  • Stronger alignment within the European research community<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

    The\u00a0complementary nature of\u00a0the cluster\u2019s\u00a0projects\u00a0collectively\u00a0addresses\u00a0the full innovation chain of next-generation\u00a0aircraft\u00a0development.\u00a0Ranging from advanced material design (CompSTLar<\/strong>) to manufacturing optimisation (TOSCA<\/strong>), digital engineering and certification (PLEIADES<\/strong> and\u00a0pAIramid<\/strong>), and future propulsion systems (HyperMorpH<\/strong>), the cluster\u00a0forms\u00a0a coherent ecosystem bridging\u00a0traditionally fragmented domains,\u00a0unlocking\u00a0new\u00a0opportunities\u00a0for\u00a0insight, mutual support, and innovation.<\/span>\u00a0
    \u00a0
    By aligning their approaches, the projects enable a continuous digital thread linking design, manufacturing, testing, and certification. This integrated perspective not only reduces development time and cost but also increases confidence in the adoption of disruptive technologies. Through these synergies, the ATLAS<\/strong> Cluster accelerates the transition toward a more sustainable, efficient, and innovation-driven European aviation sector, ensuring that advancements in one domain can be effectively translated and amplified across the entire value chain.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    ATLAS Cluster: Advancing Next-Generation Aircraft through Materials, Manufacturing and Digital Innovation The ATLAS\u00a0(Advanced Technologies for Lightweight Aerostructures and Sustainability)\u00a0Cluster brings together five Horizon Europe-funded projects under the topic HORIZON-CL5-2024-D5-01-08, forming a coordinated effort to accelerate innovation in\u00a0aircraft\u00a0materials, manufacturing processes, and certification methodologies.\u00a0 Created in response to a shared challenge within the European aviation ecosystem, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1046","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1046"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1046\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1058,"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1046\/revisions\/1058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tosca-project.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}