Airbus has outlined a vision for a “commercially viable” hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft that could enter service in the second half of the 2030s.
The next-generation single-aisle aircraft is aimed at being fully-electric.
The first stage is a proposed ZEROe aircraft (pictured) featuring an electric propeller propulsion system powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
These transform the hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction.
“The only byproduct of this reaction will be water, meaning the process will be almost carbon-neutral as long as the hydrogen is made using renewable energy,” the European manufacturer said.
“There will be four propellers, each powered by its own fuel cell stack.”
Reconfirmed a commitment to bring to market hydrogen aircraft following years of research, Airbus head of future programmes Bruno Fichefeux said: “Hydrogen is at the heart of our commitment to decarbonise aviation.
“While we’ve adjusted our roadmap, our dedication to hydrogen-powered flight is unwavering.
“Just as we saw in the automotive sector, fully electric aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells have the potential in the longer term to revolutionise air transport for the better, complementing the sustainable aviation fuel pathway.”
The technologies were showcased as part of a new, “notional concept” of a hydrogen aircraft powered by four, two-megawatt electric propulsion engines, each driven by a fuel cell system that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy.
The four fuel cell systems would be supplied via two liquid hydrogen tanks.
This concept will continue to be refined over the coming years as additional tests will help mature the technologies associated with hydrogen storage and distribution, as well as with the propulsion systems.
Airbus head of the ZEROe project Glenn Llewellyn added: “Over the last five years, we have explored multiple hydrogen-propulsion concepts, before selecting this fully electric concept.
“We are confident it could provide the necessary power density for a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft and could evolve as we mature the technology.
“In the coming years, we will concentrate on advancing the storage, distribution and propulsion systems, while also advocating for the regulatory framework needed to ensure these aircraft can take flight.”
