Toroidal Propellers for Efficient and Sustainable Aviation
The Vision:
​TorPropel is a transformative research and innovation action funded under the EIC Pathfinder Open programme. At its core is a radically new propulsion concept: toroidal propellers. Unlike conventional blade designs, toroidal geometries offer a leap in aerodynamic performance, enabling quieter, cleaner, and more efficient air travel —particularly in the growing landscape of electric, urban, and vertical aviation.
What We Aim to Do:
Over 36 months, the TorPropel consortium will research, develop, and prototype a new generation of propellers that combine:
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Superior thrust performance
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Advanced carbon fibre composites
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Sustainable, recyclable materials (Vitrimers)
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Robotic manufacturing and process automation
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Real-time condition monitoring systems embedded in the structure
This initiative is not only a technical challenge—it’s a bold move toward the decarbonisation and digitalisation of short-range aviation.
Innovation & Technology
Key Technological Pillars:
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Toroidal Propeller Geometry: A closed-loop design significantly reduces vortex shedding and improves acoustic performance.
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Advanced Composite Materials: Use of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers, with recyclable and repairable vitrimer resins.
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Robotic Manufacturing: Integration of Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) and other automated manufacturing techniques to enable high-precision and scalable production.
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Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): Embedded sensing systems for real-time monitoring, damage detection, and predictive maintenance, enhancing safety and reducing lifecycle costs.
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Sustainability & Lifecycle: Every stage, from design to dismantling, is engineered for circularity, aligning with EU Green Deal ambitions.
Who We Are
Consortium Overview
The TorPropel consortium unites 9 top-tier partners from 7 countries, including universities, RTOs, SMEs, and industrial players. The partners bring deep expertise across materials science, aerodynamics, robotics, and aerospace certification.
2025
Year of Establishment
9
Partners
7
Countries
35
Experts
Toroidal Propellers for Efficient and Sustainable Aviation
The Vision
​TorPropel is a transformative research and innovation action funded under the EIC Pathfinder Open programme. At its core is a radically new propulsion concept: toroidal propellers. Unlike conventional blade designs, toroidal geometries offer a leap in aerodynamic performance, enabling quieter, cleaner, and more efficient air travel —particularly in the growing landscape of electric, urban, and vertical aviation.
What We Aim to Do
Over 36 months, the TorPropel consortium will research, develop, and prototype a new generation of propellers that combine:​
​
-
Superior thrust performance
-
Advanced carbon fibre composites
-
Sustainable, recyclable materials (Vitrimers)
-
Robotic manufacturing and process automation
-
Real-time condition monitoring systems embedded in the structure
This initiative is not only a technical challenge—it’s a bold move toward the decarbonisation and digitalisation of short-range aviation.​​​​​​​​​
The Consortium
