CFM and Airbus develop hydrogen combustion technology

The programme objective is to ground and flight test a direct combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, in preparation for entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035.

CFM will modify the combustor, fuel system and control system of a GE Passport^TM turbofan to run on hydrogen. The engine, which is assembled in the US, was selected because of its physical size, advanced turbomachinery, and fuel flow capability. It will be mounted along the rear fuselage of the flying testbed to allow engine emissions, including contrails, to be monitored separately from those of the engines powering the aircraft. CFM will execute an extensive ground test program ahead of the A380 flight test.

The demonstration will use an A380 flying testbed equipped with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus facilities in France and Germany. Airbus will define the hydrogen propulsion system requirements, oversee flight testing, and provide the A380 platform to test the hydrogen combustion engine in cruise phase.

CFM shares Airbus’ ambition of fulfilling the promise they made in signing the Air Transport Action Group goal in October 2021 to achieve aviation industry net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by developing and testing the technology necessary to make a zero emission aircraft a reality within the ambitious timeline defined.

CFM, along with GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, has a long-standing relationship with Airbus and, together, the partners have established a great track record of delivering high-performance products that meet the needs of airline customers.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/24022022/cfm-and-airbus-develop-hydrogen-combustion-technology/