Imagine trying to carry a giant thermos of super-cold liquid hydrogen inside a plane without adding too much weight. Instead of just putting a tank inside the fuselage, this project makes the tank part of the plane's actual skeleton. It uses a special double-layer composite material that can be shaped to fit the aircraft's curves perfectly.
Current hydrogen storage tanks are often too heavy or bulky to fit efficiently into aircraft without sacrificing passenger space or payload. There is a critical need for tanks that are both lightweight and structural.
Two fuselage-like cylinder demonstrators (1.9m x 2.3m) using a low-pressure double-layer composite tank system.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the weight penalty of fuel systems — this project developed a double-layer composite tank that serves as part of the airframe structure. This allows for better space utilization and weight reduction for LH2 powered flight.
If you are an airline dealing with high carbon emissions and regulatory pressure — this project developed a storage system targeting market delivery in 2030-2035. This enables the transition to zero-emission hydrogen flights.
If you are a materials supplier dealing with the challenge of cryogenic containment — this project developed a low-pressure double-layer composite system. This provides a blueprint for manufacturing tanks that withstand extreme cold and structural loads.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures are not provided; however, the project focuses on making H2-powered aviation 'economically feasible'.
The project is building two demonstrators as fuselage-like cylinder sections with an external diameter of approximately 1.9 m and length of 2.3 m.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms or patent ownership.
The project is working with EASA to review requirements and has performed an analysis of the airworthiness CS25 code to identify gaps.
Delivery to the market is expected in the 2030-2035 period.
The tank is designed as an integral solution, meaning it serves as part of the airframe main structure and can be either conformal or non-conformal to the aircraft profile.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with 12 industrial partners (67% of the 18 total partners) across 8 countries. This high industrial concentration, combined with the support of EASA and an External Advisory Board of OEMs and airlines, suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and certification rather than pure academic research.
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Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with the H2ELIOS consortium for cryogenic tank integration.
