The Horizon Europe Project DEEP PPU consortium embodies what can be achieved when visionary partners unite around a common goal. Formed to evolve an existing product through cutting-edge technology, the consortium set out to push the boundaries of electric propulsion performance and cost efficiency. From the very beginning, its members—each bringing unique expertise in engineering, research, manufacturing, and communication—committed to a shared vision, clear objectives, and transparent collaboration. This foundation of trust and teamwork has transformed DEEP PPU into more than a technical project: it is a model of cooperation and innovation that is redefining what’s possible in the European space propulsion landscape.
What makes DEEP-PPU remarkable isn’t just the technology we developed — it’s the collaboration behind it. We worked as one team, beyond organisational boundaries and different countries, proving that trust and shared purpose can drive innovation further than expected.
Luis Villacieros Zamacola
Airbus Crisa & DEEP PPU project coordinator
Introduction: Building a Shared Vision
DEEP PPU consortium was assembled around the idea evolving an existing product, using the state-of-the-art technology, to obtain a significant competitive advantage. DEEP PPU consortium members were selected to challenge specific technological levers and to find a join solution capable of shaking the electrical propulsion market.
From the outset, partners agreed on shared objectives, defined clear roles, and established a governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability. This early planning laid the foundation for the project’s success.
Formation of the Consortium
The consortium origin began with an EU call for proposals on innovative solutions based on building blocks for Electrical Propulsion. Airbus Crisa identified this call as an opportunity to develop a key portfolio product, the PPU (Power Processing Unit). From the outset, one of the primary challenges was the development and manufacturing of the Radio Frequency Generator (RFG) function, which required addressing bandwidth, implementing a fine control loop, and full electrical chain of the propulsion.
To answer this call, consortium candidates were identified considering the unique competences, the research capabilities, the technological know-how, the industrialization capabilities and the market access: Airbus Defence and Space SAS as System Engineering and business prime; Centro de Electronica Industrial (CEI) from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), engineering the RFG specifics; AXON Cable, engineering, industrializing and manufacturing a RFG dedicated harness; FRAZA engineering and manufacturing high frequency magnetics for the RFG; and WIT Berry supporting the full team with the communication and dissemination to various target audiences.
A Triumph of Teamwork: The Success of DEEP PPU
Collaboration within the consortium was instrumental during the execution phase. Each member of the consortium chose to rise above formal boundaries and work as a unified development team, sharing their expertise to unblock and support each other’s work packages. This spirit of unity and mutual support was pivotal to the success of the DEEP PPU project.
Thanks to this collaborative attitude, the DEEP PPU not only achieved the development and demonstration of a fully functional Primary Power Unit (PPU), but also established a multiparty collaboration model that worked exceptionally well. It was a unique experience, brimming with motivation and teamwork, showcasing the power of cooperation among diverse experts.
An example of outstanding collaboration exceeding expectations of the original project, was the RFG Harness development. This development presented its fair share of challenges, with the initial scope being somewhat underestimated. All partners joined efforts to achieve a solid design sharing the most relevant skills in a task force, combining: Airbus DS Experts Engineering, Airbus Crisa Engineering, CEI (UPM) researching, modeling, engineering and testing, FRAZA Engineering and prototyping and AXON Cable Engineering, industrializing, prototyping, and testing.
Completion and Legacy
DEEP PPU development is today in its last phase, the unit will be integrated and tested in the coming weeks. All the members of the consortium are following closely this last stage of the project and are ready to support it in the case of need.
The preliminary results of the DEEP PPU project are highly encouraging, and their validation at the PPU integration tests will bring us closer to achieving a flight-ready solution. This solution aims to significantly enhance the electric propulsion market by offering a groundbreaking technology at an exceptionally competitive cost.
Aside from a very competitive design, mature enough to demonstrate commercial capabilities, DEEP PPU consortium demonstrated the power of collaboration when time has required it. This is the most powerful legacy of DEEP PPU, and it will settle down the foundations for future collaborations.
Our journey proves that when diverse stakeholders unite under a shared vision, they can drive innovation, create sustainable impact, and inspire future projects.