European planemaker Airbus presents ZEROe: three new zero-emission concept aircraft. They are the world’s first commercial hydrogen-hybrid airplanes that could enter service by 2035. Each one involves a different approach to achieving a zero-emission flight. By “different approach,” it means the technology pathway and aerodynamic configuration of the design.
The three types include a turboprop, turbofan, and blended-wind body configuration – all to be powered by hydrogen propulsion. The variation is intended to fill every niche in the commercial aviation sector and represent the company’s ambition to lead the way in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. Airbus believes hydrogen holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel, which will help the industry achieve its climate-neutral goals.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said in a press release:
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 reduce aviation’s climate impact significantly.
The Concepts
The turbofan is the narrow-body (A320) replacement, ideal for transcontinental missions. Its range is about 2,000 nautical miles and seats around 120-200 passengers. It would employ a modified gas-turbine engine, operating on hydrogen instead of jet fuel.
The turboprop is a smaller plane targeted to regional markets, ideal for short-haul missions. It has a range of about 1,000 nautical miles and seats around 100 passengers. It, too, would be fueled by hydrogen via a modified gas-turbine engine.
The blended wing aircraft is the breakout concept. While the first two ideas were standard aircraft designs, this one is a fresh new aerospace look. It’s similar to the Flying-V concept by Delft University engineers. The wings merge with the main body opening up many new possibilities for cabin design and hydrogen storage and distribution. It also makes for higher capacity seating of up to 200 passengers. Its range is about 2,000 nautical miles. A pair of hybrid hydrogen turbofan engines would provide thrust.
A Call For Infrastructure To Step Up To The Change
While it’s great to see Airbus putting forth these ideas, it would be useless to produce the planes now because there’s nowhere to refuel. Perhaps the most significant challenge in turning the aviation industry green is infrastructure – things like hydrogen storage and refueling capabilities at each airport. It will require considerable investment and support from governments.
Faury said:
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. As the primary power source for these concept planes, the transition to hydrogen will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem. Together with the support from government and industrial partners, we can rise up to this challenge to scale-up renewable energy and hydrogen for the sustainable future of the aviation industry.
The complicated infrastructural steps need to be taken if the industry is serious about meeting the requirements for a better future. As far as the airplane designs go, Airbus will continue evaluating the concepts to see how they can mature into viable products. Could one of these three concepts become the winner of the Freedom Flight Prize? Only time will tell!
