Aerospace Researchers Awarded the Prestigious Luis Azcárraga Prize 2025

The Fundación ENAIRE recognizes Raul Quibén, Rauno Cavallaro, and Andrea Cini for their groundbreaking work on hybrid-electric aircraft retrofitting.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering is proud to announce that a team of our researchers has been awarded the 2025 Luis Azcárraga Aeronautical Innovation Award (Premio Innovación Aeronáutica Luis Azcárraga).

This recognition, granted by the Fundación ENAIRE during its 30th annual awards edition, highlights singular contributions to air transport research. The award was given to Raul Quibén Figueroa, along with co-authors Rauno Cavallaro and Andrea Cini, for their publication: “Feasibility studies on regional aircraft retrofitted with hybrid-electric powertrains.”

Pioneering Sustainable Aviation
The winning paper, originally published in Elsevier Aerospace Science and Technology (May 2024), tackles one of the most pressing challenges in modern aviation: decarbonization.

While fully electric propulsion is not yet viable for medium-to-large aircraft due to current battery limitations, hybrid systems present a crucial bridge technology. The jury valued the team’s practical approach to the feasibility of mounting hybrid-electric propulsion systems on existing airframes.

Specifically, the researchers developed a comprehensive software tool capable of designing optimal integrations of electric and combustion energy. This addresses a significant gap in the industry—the lack of multidisciplinary design tools that account for certification requirements while combining distinct energy sources.

Technical Breakthroughs
The research used the regional aircraft ATR42-600 as a case study. The team’s software allows aircraft designers to determine the most suitable hybrid configuration (Serial or Parallel architectures) by analyzing several critical modules:

– Mission Analysis: Covers all flight phases (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing) including contingencies for alternative airports.

– Aerodynamics & Weight: Provides basic estimation of aerodynamic drag and structural implications.

– Propulsion & Thermal Control: Integrates the powertrain with thermal management systems to prevent battery overheating.

Environmental Impact: Monitors indicators such as CO₂ emission levels

The study not only proposes a solution for retrofitting current fleets but also lays the groundwork for integrating future technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells.

A Recognition of Excellence
The Luis Azcárraga Award is one of the most respected honors in the Spanish aeronautical sector. Receiving this award underscores the impact of the research being conducted within our department and its direct application to the industry’s sustainability goals.

You can access the full research paper and DOI here: Feasibility studies on regional aircraft retrofitted with hybrid-electric powertrains.