Climate Impulse Project: Pioneering Non-Stop Hydrogen-Powered Flight Around the Globe
Key Ideas
- Led by Bertrand Piccard, the Climate Impulse project aims to fly a hydrogen-powered aircraft around the world for nine days without stopping.
- The aircraft, with the wingspan of an Airbus 320, relies on super-cold liquid hydrogen released from ultra-insulated tanks under its wings.
- Despite challenges and limited support from major aviation manufacturers, Piccard is determined to pioneer sustainable aviation and prove the viability of hydrogen-powered flight.
- The groundbreaking flight is scheduled for 2028, with the potential to revolutionize air travel by using green hydrogen for mid-range and long-haul flights in the future.
The Climate Impulse project, led by Bertrand Piccard, aims to achieve a non-stop flight around the globe powered by liquid hydrogen. The two-seater aircraft, displayed in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, is designed to fly for nine days fueled by clean hydrogen generated through electrolysis. With the wingspan of an Airbus 320, the plane relies on super-cold liquid hydrogen stored under its wings to drive a fuel cell. Piccard, known for his previous Solar Impulse project, aspires to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-powered flight. Despite facing challenges and minimal support from major aviation manufacturers, Piccard believes in the project's potential. The groundbreaking flight, planned for 2028, could transform aviation by showcasing the capabilities of green hydrogen for future commercial flights. The initiative not only highlights technological innovation but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the aviation industry.