While the aerospace pioneer prepares to open a new ZEROe center in Germany specialised in composites for future liquid-hydrogen tanks, technical officer at Airbus announced in Munich the company’s huge leap towards hydrogen-powered aircraft.
In a LinkedIn post, Chief Technical Officer, Sabine Klauke, mentions a critical milestone, revealing that a propulsion system prototype was powered at 1.2 MW. Airbus has developed a nacelle that groups fuel cells and electric motors named iron pod. The test took place on a site destined for electric propulsions, E-Aircraft System House (EAS), in Munich.
Next up would be to test these iron pods in flight aboard a modified A380 with an estimated date in 2026. You can check out the company’s roadmap as well as the more technical details here.
Five ZEDC centres for hydrogen-powered aircraft
While working according to its business plan for 2035, the company announces the opening of a new ZEDC (ZEROe development centre) in Germany. Based in Stade city, between Hamburg and Cuxhaven in Lower Saxony, the centre will focus on composite materials necessary for liquid-hydrogen storage. It will complement the other centres in Bremen (Germany), Nantes (France), Madrid (Spain) and Filton (UK).
Click here to check out all of our articles or stay up to date with latest news and information about Airbus.
Don’t miss out on the latest hydrogen-related news and updates. Follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter.
Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili
