While the decarbonization of aviation is one of the major challenges of the sector, with in particular the objective of carbon neutrality for the aeronautical industry by 2050, Airbus and CFM International recently announced the signing of a partnership around the hydrogen plane. An important step in the perspective of a zero-emission aircraft since the program will test on the ground and in flight a direct combustion engine powered by hydrogen, with the aim of commissioning by 2035.
“Since the presentation of our ZEROe concepts in September 2020, this step is one of the most significant advances at Airbus to enable the advent of hydrogen flight,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer.
And it is the A380, equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks by the Airbus factories, which will serve as a demonstrator, the engine being installed in the rear fuselage.
Under this partnership, CFM International (CFM) will be responsible for modifying the combustion chamber, fuel system and control system of a GE Passport turbojet engine to run on hydrogen. A technical challenge since hydrogen must be stored in liquid form at -253°C in spherical tanks before being transformed into gas.
“Thanks to the combination of the capabilities and experience of CFM, our parent companies and Airbus, we have the ideal team to demonstrate a hydrogen propulsion system”, assures Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM.
The first ground tests are planned by CFM International for 2023. A first flight is expected at the end of 2026.