Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
Guidance on Technology Readiness Levels and the ATI Programme
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Applicant Indicative Guidance
We encourage all applicants to consider TRL guidance when shaping their innovative ideas and advancing technology.
TRLs are a useful tool when measuring technology maturity. They define nine levels, ranging from basic research (TRL 1) to full-scale deployment (TRL 9). Each level represents a distinct stage in the development process, with associated characteristics and milestones. Understanding the TRL of your technology is essential when aligning project objectives, estimating resource requirements, and planning for further development.
The ATI Programme serves to bridge the gap between proof of concept and technology demonstration in representative environments. While our primary objective is to advance technology from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to 6, we acknowledge that TRL definitions can be subjective and the scale imprecise. Consequently, we use TRL definitions as a guideline rather than an absolute metric when evaluating projects. In practice, this means we may consider supporting activities at lower TRLs, provided they are clearly led by industry, demonstrate potential for significant impact, align with our programme objectives, and are feasible for advancing to higher TRL levels within a reasonable timeframe.
The TRL definitions apply to the development of materials, hardware, software and systems. Typically, we consider flight demonstration at full scale to be closer to TRL 7 than TRL 6, however this depends on the technology being tested, the system it is a part of and the objectives of the demonstration. Flight testing can be particularly cost intensive, so our preference has been to maximise ground testing. This was primarily because the evolutionary nature of development meant significant data was available which could be used to achieve TRL6 by analysis and empirical correlation. However, when introducing fundamental system changes, such as a new primary energy source, it is anticipated that flight demonstration could be necessary to achieve TRL6. Demonstration of technologies at sub-scale on smaller flying models may be conducted at lower TRLs, as part of proof of concept to basic validation in a relevant environment.
| TRL 1 | Idea for a New Technology Basic principles observed and reported – transition from scientific to applied research |
| TRL 2 | Technology concept Technology concept and/or application formulated – Applied research theory focused on specific applications |
| TRL 3 | Technology proof of concept Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of-concept through analytical and lab studies |
| TRL 4 | Technology basic validation in laboratory environment Technology demonstrates basic functionality and critical test environments with associated performance predictions defined relative to the final operating environment |
| TRL 5 | Technology basic validation in a relevant environment Technology built into component or system level tests and demonstrates overall performance in critical areas |
| TRL 6 | Technology Demonstration in a representative environment Technology constructed into a prototype system as part of a high-fidelity ground-based test, or flight demonstration where required |
| TRL 7 | Technology demonstration in an operational environment Technology performs as required and is suitable to be incorporated into a specific aircraft development programme, or into the product design cycle, or industrial manufacturing system |
| TRL 8 | Technology qualified through test and demonstration Technology development completed and qualified through test and demonstration against all customer requirements. Technology proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Commissioning activity, level of testing and factory trials from low rate, up to or near full throughput customer rate |
| TRL 9 | Technology qualified through successful operations The actual technology system has been qualified through operational experience. Real world performance of the technology is a success, and the product/service is part of an aircraft launched in the market place, is in production or part of the operating business and produced at full customer production rate |
Through the ATI’s draft Expression of Interest (EOI) (Strategic Programme) and draft Outline Stage (OS) (SME Programme) review process, we provide support and feedback for applications, including an assessment of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). This approach serves to guide applicants in refining their project proposals prior to formal submission, while ensuring alignment with the ATI Programme’s objectives.
Funding
Discover more about the ATI Programme on our funding pages