US engine makers like GE and Pratt & Whitney are lagging behind in developing hydrogen propulsion systems for aircraft, a concern voiced by Airbus.
The European aircraft manufacturer highlighted this issue as it pushes forward with its own hydrogen-powered aircraft development under the ZEROe program, announced in 2020.
Airbus aims to have the first hydrogen-powered airliners in service by the mid-2030s. The company has presented various concepts for these aircraft, which could either use hydrogen to power gas turbines or generate electricity in fuel cells for electric motors. Despite this vision, Airbus feels US engine makers aren’t investing enough in hydrogen research.
European engine makers are leading in hydrogen propulsion development, according to Airbus. The company believes that major US aerospace companies, such as General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, need to ramp up their efforts. Airbus insists that their involvement is crucial to bring the project up to speed as the target date approaches.
Airbus is also worried about having limited options for engine suppliers once hydrogen propulsion technology matures, potentially affecting their flexibility. Moreover, the competitive landscape could shift as China’s aviation industry is also set to explore hydrogen propulsion.
The GE Passport engine, usually used in business jets, will be the initial testbed for hydrogen combustion on an Airbus A380. However, Safran, GE’s partner in CFM, is spearheading the Airbus initiative. This collaboration underscores Airbus’s possible frustration with the lack of sufficient hydrogen propulsion funding from US-based institutions like NASA and the FAA.
In addition to engine development, Airbus is examining required airport infrastructure for hydrogen use. Collaborations with airports in the US and Canada, like those in Atlanta, Houston, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, aim to address these logistical challenges. Effective infrastructure will be key to making hydrogen a viable aviation fuel.
