Imagine swapping a car's gasoline tank for a high-tech thermos of liquid hydrogen to stop pollution. This project is building a jet engine that burns 100% hydrogen instead of kerosene. It's like creating a new kind of heart for a plane that allows it to fly without leaving a carbon trail.
Commercial aviation cannot meet 2050 carbon neutrality goals using current kerosene engines. There is a critical lack of certified, flight-ready engines capable of burning liquid hydrogen at scale.
A minimum viable product (MVP) of a liquid hydrogen combusting aeroengine and a dual-fuel combustor system (Hydrogen/SAF).
If you are an airframer dealing with strict 2050 carbon neutrality targets — this project developed a liquid hydrogen combusting aeroengine MVP that enables the design of mass-transport aircraft. This provides a clear technical path toward an entry in service by 2035.
If you are a fuel provider dealing with the transition from kerosene to sustainable alternatives — this project developed a dual fuel combustor system capable of operating on 100% hydrogen and 100% SAF. This allows for a flexible rollout of hydrogen infrastructure without forcing an immediate total fleet replacement.
If you are a hardware supplier dealing with the difficulty of storing hydrogen on planes — this project developed a cryo-compressed tank system. This technology solves the storage challenge for liquid hydrogen, making long-haul green flights physically possible.
Based on available project data, specific cost or pricing information for the hydrogen engine system is not provided.
The project is currently developing a minimum viable product (MVP) for ground testing starting in late 2024, aiming for commercial entry in service by 2035.
Based on available project data, the specific IP and licensing terms are not disclosed, though it involves a consortium of 19 partners including Rolls-Royce.
Ground testing begins in late 2024, which serves as the cornerstone for subsequent in-flight demonstrations in the next phase of the Clean Aviation programme.
The project works with a supplemental type certificate organisation to define certification pathways and formulate a route to permit to fly.
The project is heavily industry-driven with a 63% industry ratio, featuring 12 industrial partners and 1 SME. Led by Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the 19-partner group spans 7 countries, combining the commercial power of major aeroengine manufacturers with the academic rigor of 5 universities and 2 research institutes. This structure suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and rapid transition from lab to engine testbed.
Contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG regarding hydrogen propulsion integration.
Contact us to identify potential licensing opportunities for cryo-compressed tank systems.
