GKN Aerospace expects hydrogen electric propulsion technology to scale up faster than expected, enabling a new generation of ecologically friendly aircraft.
GKN Aerospace and partners are addressing scalability. GKN Aerospace manages ATI-funded H2GEAR. The 19-passenger hydrogen airplane target has changed.
Since hydrogen electric systems can grow to 96-passenger aircraft, the H2GEAR team is studying technology enablers for larger aircraft.
By cooling power distribution and motor system components to below -200 degrees, the GKN Aerospace solution increases system efficiency and eliminates waste heat. This technology could deliver power at a lower voltage through cables that would otherwise need a 50-fold reduction in mass.
H2GEAR is on track to demonstrate a scalable hydrogen electric propulsion system by 2025 for regional platforms in the early 2030s. GKN Aerospace’s £32 million Global Technology Centre in Bristol, UK, leads this sector.
GKN Aerospace and other major area companies formed Hydrogen South West to accelerate the development of a hydrogen infrastructure ecosystem in the South West. UK success and aerospace hydrogen supply at airports depend on this partnership.
