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Airbus to test hydrogen jet engine in step towards zero emission aviation
(EurActiv, 24 Feb 2022) Airbus has announced plans to test a hydrogen-powered jet engine by the middle of the decade, as the world’s largest plane manufacturer pushes to meet its 2035 deadline of building a zero emission aircraft.
The aircraft manufacturer will fit out a superjumbo A380 with a hydrogen propulsion engine – a fuel that is entirely carbon neutral if produced with green electricity.
The hydrogen engine will be fitted to the main body of the aircraft, with four traditional jet turbines remaining under the wings.
The cutting edge technology will be developed in partnership with turbine manufacturer CFM International, a company jointly owned by General Electric and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. The test is expected to take place in 2026.
“This is the most significant step undertaken at Airbus to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts back in September 2020,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus chief technical officer.
Achieving emission-free flying is seen as the Holy Grail for the aviation industry, which is facing increasing pressure from regulators to stem flight pollution. Within the EU, aviation is responsible for some 3.8% of CO2 emissions.
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EurActiv, 24 Feb 2022: Airbus to test hydrogen jet engine in step towards zero emission aviation
