Airbus and CFM will test a hydrogen engine on an A380 in the near future. The first XL aircraft is currently being prepared for conversion.
For Airbus, hydrogen is the way of the future. The European aircraft maker plans to unveil the first airplane driven by the new, emission-free fuel as early as 2035. He rigs an A380 with an extra engine to test the technology. Airbus is collaborating with CFM International, an engine manufacturer.
The tests are conducted on an Airbus A380 with the serial number MSN 001. It is the world’s first superjumbo. It flew one last time on Friday (May 20) before being converted. A fifth engine is installed at the back of the fuselage. The hydrogen engine may be monitored individually due to its peculiar location. The A380’s size allows for lots of testing facilities.
Initial trials on the ground
The first ground testing should begin in 2022, according to Sabine Klauke, Airbus’ Technical Director, who presented the program in February. However, the initial test flights will take much longer. The first hydrogen-powered Airbus A380 will not take to the skies until 2026.
The liquid hydrogen will be supplied by four tanks housed in a hermetically sealed container on the Airbus A380’s main deck. The plane should be able to carry 400 kg of hydrogen in total. Small adjustments will also be made in the cockpit. The hydrogen engine will have its own thrust lever and a display with the most relevant operational data.
