Passengers on a hypothetical airplane unveiled by the Aerospace Technology Institute might one day go anywhere in the world with minimal carbon emissions and only one stop (ATI).
Up to 279 passengers may fly direct between London and San Francisco, USA, or between London and Auckland, New Zealand, with the same level of comfort and speed as current planes, revolutionizing the future of air travel.
The concept was developed by a group of aerospace and aviation experts from across the United Kingdom as part of the government-backed FlyZero project. It demonstrates the enormous potential of green liquid hydrogen for air travel, not just regionally or for short haul flights, but for global connectivity. Liquid hydrogen is a low-density fuel that contains three times the energy of oil and sixty times the energy of batteries per kilogramme and produces no CO2.
By developing larger, longer-range aircraft, new infrastructure may be concentrated in fewer international airports, expediting the rollout of a worldwide network of zero-carbon flights and addressing emissions from long-haul flights.
FlyZero project director Chris Gear said: “At a time of global focus on tackling climate change our midsize concept sets out a truly revolutionary vision for the future of global air travel keeping families, businesses and nations connected without the carbon footprint.
“This new dawn for aviation brings with it real opportunities for the UK aerospace sector to secure market share, highly skilled jobs and inward investment while helping to meet the UK’s commitments to fight climate change.”
There are significant technological obstacles to achieving green liquid hydrogen-powered flying, but there is an increasing incentive and profit associated with overcoming them. Additionally, as other sectors transition to hydrogen energy, higher demand is likely to result in decreased supply costs. From the mid-2030s on, a new generation of highly efficient hydrogen-powered aircraft with low fuel costs is expected to offer superior operating economics versus conventional aircraft.
FlyZero has identified the onboard technologies that, in conjunction with the infrastructure and ground equipment for refueling, require quick development in order to achieve zero-carbon flight. These advanced technologies include dry wings, hydrogen tanks, cryogenic fuel systems, fuel cells and electrical power systems, and hydrogen gas turbines.
Early in 2022, the FlyZero project will publish complete findings from the research, including three final aircraft models (regional, narrowbody, and midsize), technology roadmaps, market and economic analyses, and a sustainability assessment. These outputs will help define the future of global aviation, positioning the UK to lead the way in sustainable flight design, manufacturing, technology, and skills development for years to come.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:
“These designs could define the future of aerospace and aviation. By working with industry, we are showing that truly carbon free flight could be possible, with hydrogen a front runner to replace conventional fossil fuels.
“Fuelling planes sustainably will enable the public to travel as we do now, but in a way that doesn’t damage the planet. It will not only help us to end our contribution to climate change, but also represents a huge industrial opportunity for the UK.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“As we build back greener, it’s crucial that we place sustainability at the heart of the aviation industry’s recovery from Covid-19.
“This pioneering design for a liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft, led by a British organisation, brings us one step closer to a future where people can continue to travel and connect, but without the carbon footprint.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Jet Zero Council to support the UK’s world-leading research in this sector, which will create green jobs, help us meet our ambitious net zero targets and lead the global transition to net zero aviation.”
Jet Zero Council CEO Emma Gilthorpe said:
“The Aerospace Technology Institute’s pioneering research highlights the potential for hydrogen in realising zero-carbon global connectivity. This ground-breaking green technology looks set to play a critical role in decarbonising flight and through the work of the Jet Zero Council, the UK aviation sector is exploring all avenues to ensure we protect the benefits of flying for future generations, while cutting the carbon cost.”
