Airbus has taken another significant step in the field of sustainable aviation. The company successfully tested the "iron pod," representing the future flight system based on hydrogen fuel cell technology, by the end of 2023. This development is a crucial part of Airbus's goal to introduce commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen by the year 2035.
Origin of the ZEROe Project
Launched in 2020, the ZEROe project is part of Airbus's efforts to eliminate carbon emissions in the aviation industry. Within the scope of the project, four different aircraft concepts were developed, including both fully electric and hybrid-hydrogen systems. At the core of these technologies is the hydrogen fuel cell, which converts hydrogen into electricity, producing almost no emissions.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Recognizing the potential of this technology in the aviation industry, Airbus initiated a joint venture with ElringKlinger called Aerostack. Aerostack's mission was to develop hydrogen fuel cell stacks that are suitable for flight, lightweight, and have high energy efficiency. These cells underwent comprehensive testing at the E-Aircraft System House in Ottobrunn, Germany, reaching a power level of 1.2 megawatts in June 2023, completing the most powerful test in aviation history.
Testing of the Iron Pod and its Future
In tests conducted towards the end of 2023, the electric motors of the iron pod powered by a hydrogen fuel cell were activated for the first time. These tests are crucial for understanding the power required for different stages of the aircraft and determining the necessary changes to make the technology flight-ready.
Future Plans
Tests on the iron pod will continue throughout 2024, and upon completion of these tests, the system will be optimized to meet flight specifications. Subsequently, the system will be integrated into Airbus's first A380 aircraft, known as MSN001 ZEROe multimodal flight test platform. Airbus plans to test this system in flight on the A380 in 2026.