Aviation

Rolls-Royce announced the launch of a cutting-edge hydrogen program

Rolls-Royce has launched a new cutting-edge hydrogen programme and provided an update on its hybrid-electric power research as it continues to pioneer new kinds of aviation sustainability.

Rolls-Royce has launched a new cutting-edge hydrogen programme and provided an update on its hybrid-electric power research as it continues to pioneer new kinds of aviation sustainability.

This work, in conjunction with our commitment to continuously enhance gas turbine efficiency and demonstrate compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel, ensures that we will continue to play a leadership role in the drive to Net Zero aviation.

Rolls-Royce is preparing a complete series of rig and engine experiments to demonstrate that the fuel can safely and effectively power small-to-medium size aircraft starting in the mid-2030s. In the long run, we hope to progress this to a flight test phase as part of the programme.

Two ground tests are planned, on a Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engine in the UK this year and a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine at a future date – a range of location options are being assessed for this including the Rolls-Royce test facility in Mississippi, USA. This will build on hydrogen combustion tests already well underway in partnership with Loughborough University and German research insititute DLR, with Cranfield University’s input on fuel system management.

The programme follows market research carried out by the UK Aerospace Technology Institute’s Fly Zero team and Project NAPKIN (New Aviation Propulsion Knowledge and Innovation Network), both of which had Rolls-Royce representation, and both concluded there is market potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft. It also complements broader research into hydrogen infrastructure and transportation that Rolls-Royce is already carrying out with easyJet. Hybrid-electric and hydrogen power systems are also part of a regional aircraft research project underway with WiderØe and Embraer.

Rolls-Royce’s hybrid electric research has been carried out on our Power Generation System 1 demonstrator – made up of an AE 2100 engine with specialist controls and thermal management systems.

Tests in Bristol, UK, and Trondheim, Norway, recently concluded and have now confirmed the system delivered more than 1.5 megawatts of power – the first time this has been achieved in the aviation sector.

Rolls-Royce is now taking that huge amount of learning and carrying out further work to understand how a production version of PGS1 might be achieved and discussing with airframers what their future requirements may be.

Aviation

Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights

An Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation recently revealed that a Qantas A380 operated 34 flights with a 1.25-meter nylon tool lodged in one of its engines.

This turning tool, used during borescope inspections to rotate the intermediate-pressure compressor, was left behind during scheduled maintenance at Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It remained inside the engine until it was discovered by maintenance staff during a subsequent check at Los Angeles on January 1, 2024.

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The ATSB report highlights two critical lapses. First, maintenance engineers failed to notice the tool during final checks for foreign objects after the borescope inspection. Second, the lost tool procedure was not activated when the tool was identified as missing.

The certifying engineer ultimately cleared the aircraft for service without accounting for the misplaced tool. During the time qantas films the tool was inside, the A380 completed 34 flight cycles, accumulating nearly 294 hours without any noticeable effect on engine performance.

Although the tool was deformed by high-energy airflow within the engine, there was no reported damage to the engine itself. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell commented.

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“This incident underscores the importance of following established maintenance protocols. Engineers missed the tool during foreign object checks, and the required lost tool procedure wasn’t started after realizing the tool was missing.”

Following the investigation, the airline issued a safety directive, urging all engineering and tool storage teams to adhere strictly to these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A qantas spokesperson stated, “While the tool didn’t impact engine performance, we take this incident very seriously. It is critical to follow the correct lost tool procedures.”