TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) is developing the concept aircraft liquid hydrogen powered flying to become a carbon-free air transportation solution. The concept was unveiled on Monday, December 6, 2021.
Developed under the FlyZero project with funding from the UK government, hydrogen-powered aircraft are believed to be superior to electric-powered aircraft. The plane is claimed to be able to reduce travel time, reduce the impact of international travel and has the same speed as current aircraft, but with a longer range.
Regarding its size, it is estimated to be of medium size with the ability to carry a maximum of 279 passengers non-stop from London (UK) to San Francisco (United States) or from London to Auckland (New Zealand) with just one refueling. The aircraft’s first flights are expected to begin sometime in the mid-2030s.
“The Institute of Aerospace Technology’s pioneering research highlights hydrogen’s potential in realizing zero-carbon global connectivity. This groundbreaking green technology is likely to play an important role in the decarbonization of aviation and through the work of the Jet Zero Council, the UK aviation sector is exploring all avenues to ensure we protect the benefits of flying for future generations while cutting carbon,” said Jet Zero CEO Emma Gilthorpe.
The plane will run on liquid hydrogen, a researched fuel for planes and cars for years that produces far more energy than aviation kerosene but does not release carbon dioxide when used.
Climate benefits aside, liquid hydrogen weighs about a third of the weight of kerosene for the same flight journey. That allows the aircraft to increase its range to reduce disruptive mid-flight stopovers.
By design, ATI says that the plane will have two large tanks hydrogen cryogenically stored liquid in the back, which will store hydrogen at -250 degrees Celsius. Also two smaller tanks at the front to maintain balance when fuel is used.
“At a time when the world is focused on tackling climate change, our mid-range concept sets out a truly revolutionary vision for the future of global air travel that keeps families, businesses and nations connected without a carbon footprint,” said Chris Gear, FlyZero Project Director.
Meanwhile, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said that the design of this liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft could determine the future of world aerospace and aviation.
Because, refueling airplanes sustainably will allow people to travel like we do now, but in a way that doesn’t damage the planet (earth). “By working with industry, we are showing that flight truly carbon-free can be done with hydrogen as a precursor to replace conventional fossil fuels,” said Kwasi Kwarteng.
ANDINI SABRINA | GOV.UK | ILF SCIENCE
Also read: 10 Shortest Commercial Airplane Flights in the World, Some Are Only 47 Seconds
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