Sesar 3 Joint Undertaking

STEPLESS is a Horizon Europe project implemented in the framework of the Digital European Sky of the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. STEPLESS aims to lower the environmental footprint during final approach operations with both conventional and increased glideslope angles (IGS). IGS approaches are intended to reduce the noise exposure on ground by a higher flight altitude during final approach. Steeper approach angles however, also reduce the aircraft's capability to decelerate to final approach speed. Therefore, pilots might be forced to configure the aircraft for landing earlier, which has deteriorating effects on noise and fuel consumption. The STEPLESS project aims to transform aircraft approach procedures by introducing a novel high-lift system designed for optimized energy management. This innovative approach focuses on enabling stepless adjustments to aircraft high-lift configurations during approach, allowing for dynamic adaptation to glide slope angles and flight conditions. By enhancing the Flight Management System (FMS), STEPLESS will reduce fuel consumption and noise, even under IGS scenarios. Expected outcomes include reduced CO2 emissions, operational cost savings, and noise reductions. STEPLESS aims to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency by enhancing aircraft compliance with air traffic control (ATC) speed constraints, ultimately increasing airspace capacity. STEPLESS started officially on the 1st of September 2024 for a duration of 30 months. This project is supported by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking and its founding members. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.