Airbus has signed a cooperation agreement with CFM International. This is a 50/50 joint venture between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines. Together they will work on a hydrogen demonstration programme. The aim is to test a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, both on the ground and in the air. This is in preparation for the commissioning of an emission-free aircraft by 2035.
The demonstration will use an A380 flight test bed. This is equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus facilities in France and Germany. Airbus will also define the requirements for the hydrogen propulsion system. In addition, it will oversee the test flights and provide the A380 platform to test the hydrogen combustion engine.
Engine
CFM International (CFM) will modify the combustion engine, fuel system and control system of a GE Passport turbofan. This will enable it to fly on hydrogen. Engine assembly will take place in the US. This is because of its physical size, advanced turbo machinery and fuel capability. Assembly is done along the rear fuselage of the flying test bed. This allows engine emissions, including contrails, to be monitored separately from those of the engines powering the aircraft. CFM will conduct an extensive ground test programme prior to the A380 flight test.
Clear signal
"This is the most important step Airbus has taken to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flights since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts in September 2020." So says Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer of Airbus. "We are leveraging the expertise of US and European engine manufacturers. This allows us to make progress in hydrogen combustion technology. We are also sending a clear signal with this international partnership that our industry is committed to achieving emission-free flights."
Dream team
"The ability to burn hydrogen is one of the fundamental technologies we are developing and maturing. It is part of the CFM RISE programme," said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM. "By bringing together the collective capabilities and experience, we really have the dream team to successfully demonstrate hydrogen combustion technology."
Photo: Airbus
