Turbotech, Safran, and Air Liquide have successfully completed ground demonstration testing of a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine based on an ultra-efficient regenerative cycle. The system was powered by liquid hydrogen stored in a cryogenic tank, marking a significant step in the development of fully decarbonised aircraft propulsion.
This achievement builds on an earlier test phase in January 2024, which utilised gaseous hydrogen to perform the initial characterisation of the engine. In the latest demonstration, the engine was integrated with Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage system (operating at –250°C) to replicate a complete aircraft propulsion system, demonstrating end-to-end functionality.
“This is a major step forward in the transition to fully decarbonised aircraft propulsion, which will be ready to fly as soon as the world mass-produces green hydrogen,” said Damien Fauvet, CEO of Turbotech. “The project aimed to achieve energy density comparable to conventional aviation fuels while addressing challenges related to retrofit, operability, and certification of a cryogenic hydrogen propulsion system. The success of this rapid development is a testament to the teamwork of aerospace leaders and SMEs involved.”
Pierre-Alain Lambert, VP of Hydrogen Programs at Safran, highlighted the significance of the demonstration: “By integrating our technology with Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage system, we’ve shown that a zero-emission, high-tech propulsion solution is viable and can be directly applied to light aircraft. This complements Safran’s exploratory projects targeting the challenges of hydrogen propulsion for commercial aviation.”
Xavier Traversac, VP of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, added: “This success underscores the importance of collaboration in decarbonising aviation. As a leader in hydrogen technologies, Air Liquide is proud to contribute to accelerating innovation through initiatives like this, supported by our state-of-the-art test facilities. Hydrogen remains a key component of the energy transition, and this project represents another step toward low-carbon aviation.”
The testing is part of the BeautHyFuel joint research project, established in June 2022 by Turbotech, Elixir Aviation, Safran, Air Liquide, and Daher. The project aims to design and certify a hydrogen propulsion system for light aviation and develop a methodology for its retrofit certification. It combines expertise from Turbotech’s light turbine technologies, Safran’s aeroengine and fuel system design, Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage solutions, Elixir’s innovative light aircraft manufacturing, and Daher’s experience in aircraft development and maintenance.
Supported by the French government through DGAC and the national post-pandemic stimulus program, BeautHyFuel complements Safran’s broader initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in air transport. This successful demonstration reinforces hydrogen’s potential to revolutionise aviation and contribute to a sustainable future.
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