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.