Blue Condor Project: Groundbreaking Research on Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Contrails
Key Ideas
  • The Blue Condor project conducted the world's first in-flight measurements of contrails from a hydrogen turbojet engine, aiming to understand the climate impact of hydrogen propulsion in aviation.
  • The experiment involved a modified Arcus glider powered by a hydrogen engine flying alongside a conventional kerosene-powered glider at over 9 km altitude, with successful contrail measurements in four out of seven flights.
  • Specialized instruments mounted on a research aircraft measured ice crystals, aerosols, and trace gases to assess hydrogen's climate impact, with data to be published for further analysis and climate modeling.
  • The collaboration between Airbus, the Perlan team, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the Blue Condor project signifies a major step towards climate-compatible flight technology and reducing aviation's environmental footprint.
The Blue Condor project, a collaborative effort between Airbus, the Perlan team, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by conducting the first-ever in-flight measurements of contrails from a hydrogen turbojet engine in Minden, Nevada, USA. This project, aimed at understanding the climate impact of hydrogen-powered aircraft, utilized a modified Arcus glider with a hydrogen engine alongside a conventional kerosene-powered glider. The experiment, which involved seven flights, successfully measured contrails in four flights, focusing on ice crystal properties, nitrogen oxides, and aerosol particles to evaluate hydrogen's climate impact. The research aircraft, equipped with specialized instruments from DLR's Institute of Atmospheric Physics, gathered data on ice crystals, aerosols, and trace gases to assess the environmental effects of hydrogen combustion. The collaboration also included a chase plane equipped with autonomously operated instruments for measuring contrails and emissions. This pioneering research aims to contribute to climate modeling and advance the development of climate-compatible flight technology. Markus Fischer of DLR emphasized the significance of these measurements in understanding the climate compatibility of hydrogen propulsion in aviation. The successful implementation of the Blue Condor project represents a major step forward in promoting environmentally friendly aviation practices. The collected data will be published, allowing for further analysis and insights into the impact of hydrogen-powered aircraft on the environment and aviation industry.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.