PIT AERO WINGS

The WINGS project is part of the European ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in the aeronautics sector, while aiming for the entry into service of a low‑carbon aircraft as early as 2035. The sector is currently undergoing a major transformation, affecting the entire aircraft: development of new energy systems, creation of ultra‑light structures, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, and optimisation of the environmental footprint across the entire life cycle—from production to recycling.

The PIT AERO WINGS initiative is a Technological Innovation Partnership designed to support the Walloon aeronautics sector in its ecological transition. It enables Walloon aeronautical industries to continue their research efforts in order to maintain or strengthen their competitiveness, while contributing to the technologies required for a decarbonised aircraft by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

One of the major evolutions studied in this context involves increasing the aspect ratio and flexibility of the wing, which is essential for reducing the carbon footprint of commercial aviation. These developments entail significant changes to the structure of slats and their mechanisms, as well as to the aerodynamic performance of mobile surfaces. Reducing noise during landing phases is also a key research priority.

The consortium brings together the three major Walloon aeronautics companies — Safran Aero Boosters, Sonaca and Thales — alongside research centres Cenaero, VKI, CRM, Materia Nova, Sirris, Cetic and Multitel, as well as a group of aeronautics‑focused SMEs. Together, they work on six key themes:

• aero‑structures,
• propulsion,
• communication systems,
• materials and processes,
• digitalisation and numerical simulation,
• Industry 4.0.

Objectives and missions of Materia Nova: Within the consortium, Materia Nova plays a central role in the field of materials and processes. Its contribution is based on several strategic areas of expertise:

• control of electrical properties in polymers and composites,
• innovative surface treatments (plasma, sol‑gel, electroplating) to provide new functionalities or enhance durability,
• development of materials and technologies related to energy production and storage.

Materia Nova is responsible for developing new products and solutions (polymers, coatings, surface treatments, etc.) that directly contribute to improving the performance of future aircraft, while supporting the ecological transition of the Walloon aeronautics sector in the years to come.

Consortium:

To know more about this project