New Hydrogen Aircraft Can Fly Halfway Across The World Without Refueling
Image via Aerospace Technology Institute
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), a UK government-backed research firm, has just unveiled a new hydrogen aircraft that can travel halfway across the globe without needing to refuel.
The 279-seater plane, named the ‘FlyZero’, will perform similarly to regular passenger airliners, though it won’t emit any carbon emissions during its flight. According to Interesting Engineering, this special hydrogen-powered aircraft will be one of a range of planes being designed in the ongoing program.
Hydrogen on board the FlyZero will be stored in cryogenic fuel tanks, which will keep it in liquid form at minus 418°F. Two such tanks will be located at the rear of the plane, while a couple other “cheek” loads will be placed near the front of the plane to help maintain its balance. The aircraft’s wings will span 54 meters (177 feet), each with its own turbofan engine attached.
According to ATI, the “highly-efficient hydrogen-powered aircraft” will have “superior operating economics compared to conventional aircraft from the mid-2030s onwards.” At the moment, the firm has received over £1.95 billion (US$2.6 billion) in funding since it was started in 2013, with £15 million (US$19.8 million) of that going towards the FlyZero concept.
“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 as a frontrunner to replace conventional fossil fuels,” said Kwasi Kwarteng, the UK’s Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The carbon-free aerospace sector is certainly heating up, with recent news that Alaska Airlines will be partnering British-American aviation firm Zero Avia to develop another zero-emissions passenger aircraft. The 76-seater plane will run on hydrogen as well, with its first commercial flight between London and Rotterdam planned to take place in 2024.
Elsewhere, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) shows signs of promise, with United Airlines successfully demonstrating the first-ever passenger plane flown on 100% eco-friendly fuel just earlier this week.
[via Interesting Engineering, cover image via Aerospace Technology Institute]
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