Groundbreaking Test of Liquid Hydrogen Aircraft Engine for Light Aviation in France
Key Ideas
- Successful ground tests for a liquid hydrogen-fueled gas turbine engine were conducted in France for light aviation use.
- The BeautHyFuel project, led by Turbotech and Elixir Aviation, aims to explore hydrogen propulsion solutions for light aircraft.
- The demonstration showcased the end-to-end integration of a propulsion system using cryogenic liquid hydrogen, replicating functions on a complete aircraft.
- Key industry players like Safran, Air Liquide, and Daher are part of the joint research project, supported by the French Civil Aviation Authority.
Engineers in France have achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing a liquid hydrogen-fueled aircraft engine designed for light aviation. The ground tests were conducted at Air Liquide’s Grenoble Technologies Campus as part of the BeautHyFuel project, which focuses on exploring hydrogen propulsion solutions for light aircraft. This groundbreaking demonstration, following an initial engine qualification test in January 2024, involved a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine fed from a liquid hydrogen tank using an ultra-efficient regenerative cycle. The project aims to achieve a similar energy density to traditional aviation fuels while considering retrofit, operability, and certification challenges. The successful ground demonstration testing highlighted the potential for fully decarbonized aircraft propulsion once green hydrogen is mass-produced. Industry leaders such as Turbotech, Safran, Air Liquide, and Daher are driving the project forward, with support from the French Civil Aviation Authority. The BeautHyFuel project combines expertise in turbine technologies, aeroengine manufacturing, cryogenic hydrogen storage, light aircraft production, and aircraft certification, emphasizing the collaborative effort towards sustainable aviation solutions.