Aerospace

Airbus reveals hydrogen-powered zero-emission engine

A fuel cell engine fuelled by hydrogen is being developed by Airbus

A fuel cell engine fuelled by hydrogen is being developed by Airbus. To equip its zero-emission aircraft that will go into service by 2035, the propulsion system is being looked at as one of the potential alternatives.

Airbus will start ground and flight testing this fuel cell engine architecture onboard its ZEROe demonstrator aircraft towards the middle of the decade. The A380 MSN1 flight test aircraft for new hydrogen technologies is currently being modified to carry liquid hydrogen tanks and their associated distribution systems.

Due to the fact that it produces water as its main byproduct when produced from renewable energy sources, hydrogen has been selected by Airbus as one of the most promising choices to fuel zero-emission aircraft.

Clean Aviation SWITCH Project to Advance Hybrid-Electric and Water Enhanced Turbofan Technologies(Opens in a new browser tab)

Hydrogen can be utilised as an aeroplane propulsion fuel in two different methods. To power a propeller engine, hydrogen is first used in a gas turbine, then it is converted into energy in fuel cells. In a hybrid-electric architecture, fuel cells can be connected with a hydrogen gas turbine in place of batteries.

Hydrogen fuel cells may be scaled up by increasing their power output, especially when they are stacked. Additionally, an engine driven by a hydrogen fuel cell emits zero NOx or contrails, providing further advantages for decarbonization.

Rolls Royce successfully tests the World’s first hydrogen engine in partnership with Easyjet.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airbus has been exploring the possibilities of fuel cell propulsion systems for aviation for some time. In October 2020, Airbus created Aerostack, a joint venture with ElringKlinger, a company with over 20 years of experience as both a fuel cell systems and component supplier. In December 2020, Airbus presented its pod-concept which included six removable fuel cell propeller propulsion systems.

To find more about Airbus’ fuel cell engine and demonstrator, click here.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.