Airbus wanted to take the me. First commercial plane of the world propelled by hydrogen In 2035. The ambitious initiative continues to exist, only that it is not clear when it will end up materializing. The European aerospace giant has recognized that the project is progressing at a slower pace than expected.
As Reuters states that “the development of a hydrogen ecosystem, which includes infrastructure, production, distribution and regulatory frameworks, is a great challenge that requires global collaboration and investment.” One of the most important obstacles has to do with obtaining renewable hydrogen.
An ambitious project, multiple challenges
The main objective of the hydrogen plane is to reduce air transport emissions, and at this point the Hydrogen production: Obtaining large quantities using renewable energy is still complicated. Green hydrogen needs a lot of investment and a long way to go to be widely profitable.
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, has said in the past that there is a doubt that there is sufficient green hydrogen in the future to boost a large number of commercial airplanes, but the company has continued to boost its plans to reduce emissions, which also include the use of Sustainable aviation fuel (SFA).
Airbus has not yet given a new calendar for the project, but the signs are not optimistic. According to the Force Ouvrière union, workers were informed this week that technology has a delay between five and ten years with respect to the necessary rhythm. With this panorama, the objective of 2035 seems increasingly complicated.
The aforementioned organization has indicated that the European firm is also evaluating the completion of “Certain subprojects” It is not clear if in addition to the aforementioned challenges related to the alternative fuel supply there are other disadvantages in the development of proposed aircraft.
Airbus presented three concepts in 2020. The first, a turbofán with capacity for about 200 passengers and a range of 3,704 kilometers. The second, a more content turbohyl, designed for about 100 passengers and with 1,852 kilometers of reach. And the third, a mixed wing model, also turbophah, with the same figures as the first.
The company also contemplated two propulsion systems. On the one hand, the Hydrogen combustionwith gas turbines with modified fuel injectors. On the other hand, a completely electrical propulsion system with hydrogen fuel batteries, which feed electric motors that turn the propellers or plane turbines.
Images | Airbus
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