The aim of the program is to test a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine in preparation for the entry into service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035. The first test flight is to take place in 2026 and will be performed by the A380 with production number MSN001. That is the only A380 prototype that Airbus still has as a test aircraft.
CFM will modify the combustion chamber, fuel system and control system of a GE Passport turbofan to run on hydrogen. The engine, normally used on business jets and built in the US, was chosen for this program because of its physical size and technology.
The hydrogen-powered engine will be mounted on the rear fuselage of the A380 so that emissions, including contrails, can be monitored separately from those of the engines powering the aircraft. CFM will conduct an extensive ground test program prior to the A380 flight test.
“This is the most important step Airbus has taken to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts in September 2020,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer. According to her, the agreement “sends a clear signal that our industry is committed to achieving zero-emission flights.”
Now that is BIG news! #Hydrogen combustion technology an #A380 = our #ZEROe demonstrator.
Watch the video to discover how we’re developing the first zero-emission aircraft. pic.twitter.com/a6SbUAiN8v
—Airbus (@Airbus) February 22, 2022
Watch the webcast that Airbus aired this afternoon about this project below:
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