Airbus and CFM International signed an agreement to pioneer hydrogen combustion technology in aviation
The programme’s objective is to ground and flight test a direct combustion engine fueled by hydrogen, in preparation for entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035.
The demonstration will use a A380 flying testbed equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus facilities in France and Germany.
Airbus will also define the hydrogen propulsion system requirements, oversee flight testing, and provide the A380 platform to test the hydrogen combustion engine in cruise phase. CFM International (CFM) will modify the combustor, fuel system, and control system of a GE Passport turbofan to run on hydrogen.