Airbus Shares Concept Designs For World’s First Zero-Emission Commercial Planes
Image via Airbus
The travel industry has looked a lot different of late, but come 2035, it is expected to face revolutionary changes for the good of the planet.
Airbus has just unveiled concepts for aircraft planned to carry out zero-emission commercial flights. The project, titled ‘ZEROe’, features three distinct hydrogen-powered airplane designs: a turbofan concept, a turboprop design, as well as one with a “blended-wing body.”
“I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen – both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft – has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact,” addressed Guillaume Faury, the aircraft maker’s CEO, in a press statement. “These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world’s first climate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft.”
The aircraft is expected to go into production by 2035.
Turbofan aircraft
Image via Airbus
The turbofan design is propelled by two hybrid hydrogen, instead of jet fuel, turbofan engines, with the liquid hydrogen being stored in tanks behind the aircraft’s rear pressure bulkhead. This version can travel across continents of over 2,000 miles, and is able to carry between 120 and 200 passengers.
Turboprop aircraft
Image via Airbus
The turboprop concept is thrusted by two hybrid hydrogen turboprop engines and boasts a mileage of over 1,000 miles, ideal for short-haul flights. It can also hold up to 100 pax.
“Blended-wing body” aircraft
Image via Airbus
Finally, the “blended-wing body” concept features wings that merge with the aircraft’s main body, and can stay on air for more than 2,000 miles. “The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout,” Airbus explains. This version can house up to 200 passengers.
[via Dezeen, images via Airbus]
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