As part of this collaboration, Liebherr-Aerospace is developing an air supply system for the fuel cell that is dedicated to the propulsion of Airbus’ hydrogen-powered demonstrator aircraft.
Liebherr-Aerospace, a leading OEM in the aviation industry, has announced that it is supporting Airbus in its ambitious project to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. As part of this collaboration, Liebherr-Aerospace is developing an air supply system for the fuel cell that is dedicated to the propulsion of Airbus’ hydrogen-powered demonstrator aircraft.
In the first phase of the project, Liebherr-Aerospace has successfully designed and delivered a functional air supply system demonstrator with a power of 1 MW, which is currently installed in Airbus’ testing facilities. In the second study phase, Liebherr-Aerospace is focusing on designing and qualifying a safety-of-flight air supply demonstrator, which can withstand the integration constraints in an operational environment close to the propulsion system. This demonstrator will support a flight test campaign that aims to demonstrate the performance of a fuel cell propulsion system under operational conditions by the middle of this decade.
“We are very pleased to support Airbus in this ambitious project. As Liebherr’s center of excellence for air management systems, we are continuously investing in Research and Development to offer innovative technological breakthrough solutions to our customers. Our systems and components are on board the Airbus aircraft family, and we are proud to say that we will also participate in this emblematic program that will contribute to transforming aviation towards a sustainable future,” said Dr. Nathalie Duquesne, Managing Director, Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS.
The development of a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft is a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve a more sustainable future. The aviation industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, and the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft could help reduce these emissions significantly. The project also aligns with the European Commission’s Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the world’s first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.
The use of hydrogen as a fuel source for aircraft has several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapor as a by-product. It is also abundant and can be produced using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. While there are still technical challenges to overcome, the development of a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft represents a significant step forward in the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
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In conclusion, Liebherr-Aerospace’s collaboration with Airbus in developing a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft is a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. The development of a functional air supply system for the fuel cell is a critical step towards the successful implementation of a fuel cell propulsion system in commercial aircraft. The project aligns with the European Commission’s Green Deal and represents a significant step towards reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
