Airbus will work with CFM International for hydrogen-fueled aircraft tests

Airbus has announced that it will work with CFM International, a company created through a partnership between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines, to bring a zero-emission aircraft into service by 2035. Within the scope of the study, a ground and flight test of a hydrogen-powered engine will be carried out.

Zero emissions aviation industry

To test the hydrogen-fueled engine to be developed, Airbus said it will use the Airbus A380, the largest and widest passenger jet ever built. The liquid hydrogen tanks to be used in the A380 will be developed at Airbus facilities. Airbus will define hydrogen propulsion system requirements, oversee flight tests and provide the actual A380 platform to test the hydrogen combustion engine at cruise stage. In response, CFM International will replace the GE Passport turbofan’s combustion chamber, fuel system, and control system to run on hydrogen. Sabine Klauke, Airbus Technical Officer

: “Since the launch of our ZEROe concepts in September 2020, this is Airbus’s commitment to ushering in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight. The most important step taken. Leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to advance hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message that our industry is committed to making zero-emission flight a reality.” made statements.

Apart from conventional engines under the wings, there will be four liquid hydrogen tanks near the rear of the aircraft and a hydrogen fueled engine mounted along the aft fuselage. Within the scope of the program, the developed engine will not power the Airbus A380, only the emissions of the hydrogen engine will be examined while the aircraft is underway and information will be collected for future studies.