Under its Energia project, Embraer is studying concepts for future regional aircraft with hybrid-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell and hydrogen-combustion propulsion.
LE BOURGET—Embraer and GKN Aerospace are to explore the potential for a hydrogen-powered flight demonstrator. The companies will combine their expertise to support development of hydrogen combustion and fuel-cell technologies as well as optimize airframe-propulsion integration.
“The potential development of a hydrogen flight demonstrator represents an important milestone in our technology roadmap toward to the future of sustainable aviation,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer senior vice president, engineering and technological development, on June 21 during the Paris Air Show.
Under its Energia project, Embraer is studying concepts for future regional aircraft with hybrid-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell and hydrogen-combustion propulsion. The Brazilian manufacturer studied a 50-seater with hydrogen combustion, but in December 2022 narrowed its exploration to 19- and 30-seaters with hybrid-electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion options.
GKN’s hydrogen exploration program, the UK government-supported H2Gear product, is focused on developing a combination of liquid hydrogen, fuel cells and cryogenically cooled power distribution and electric motors for sub-regional aircraft, with the potential for scaling the system up to larger aircraft.
GKN is preparing to begin initial tests of elements of its H2Gear powertrain later this year. Components are expected to be tested up to technology readiness level 4 ahead of ground tests of the complete 1-megawatt-capable system at the end of 2025, funded via the UK Aerospace Technology Institute.
Using liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures allows the fuel to be used as a heat sink, chilling helium as an intermediary gas that then is used to cool the aircraft’s high-voltage electrical system, reducing the resistivity of the aircraft’s wiring and motors.
