Hybrid-electric propulsion and alternative energy carriers are being considered to mitigate the climate impact of short-range regional aviation. Within this framework, the HERA (Hybrid Electric Regional Architecture) project investigates advanced propulsion architectures for a next-generation 72 passenger regional platform. This work presents a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment of two HERA reference configurations and compares them with a conventional 70 passenger turboprop representative of current service aircraft. The analysis focuses on lithium–sulphur batteries, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, liquid hydrogen storage tanks, and electric motors.
