Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft which could enter service by 2035. These concepts each represent a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, exploring various technology pathways and aerodynamic configurations in order to support the Company’s ambition of leading the way in the decarbonization of the entire aviation industry.
All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source – an option that Airbus believes holds exceptional promise as clean aviation fuel and is likely to be a solution for aerospace and many other industries to meet their climate-neutral targets.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said that “This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen. The concepts we unveil today offer the world a glimpse of our ambition to drive a bold vision for the future of zero-emission flight”.
“I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact.
The three concepts include a turbofan design which is capable of carrying up to 200 passengers, has a range of over 2,000 nautical miles, and is powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.
A turboprop design that can carry up to 100 passengers uses a turboprop engine instead of a turbofan and it is also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines. It would supposedly be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a better option for short-haul trips.
Airbus showed off a “blended-wing body” design that can hold up to 200 passengers. The wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, as well as for interior cabin layout.
Guillaume Faury said that “These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world’s first climate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft, which we aim to put into service by 2035”.
To tackle these types of challenges, airports will require significant hydrogen transport and refueling infrastructure, of day to day work to meet the needs.
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