
In engine development programs plagued by time and cost pressures, there is little room for experiments. Innovations must be developed, tested and matured for production in advance. For the purpose, technology projects are launched to build concept engines to demonstrate the feasibility and capability of new technologies. These are normally funded under cooperative or sponsored programs.
MTU participates in all major European aviation research programs and has launched its own long-term technology initiative, dubbed Claire (Clean Air Engine).