Introduction

In a move to revolutionize aviation, Airbus has chosen to partner with the French-Japanese firm Safran-IHI to develop a hydrogen-powered engine. This project, dubbed “ZeroE”, aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and make air travel more sustainable. While the project has already been underway for some time, Airbus’s decision to join forces with Safran-IHI marks a major milestone towards greener aviation.

Airbus Opts for French-Japanese Firm

Airbus is not the only major player in the aircraft industry looking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels; many other firms are experimenting with hydrogen technology. However, Airbus is the first to select Safran-IHI to work on its “ZeroE” project. This French-Japanese firm brings together a mix of expertise in the aerospace, energy and power generation industries.

Safran-IHI is no stranger to hydrogen technology, having already developed a turbofan engine for a demonstrator aircraft by Japan Airlines. The company is now working on an adapted version of its existing hydrogen engine for Airbus’s “ZeroE” project.

Hydrogen Engine Project Underway

The “ZeroE” project is the result of a five-year collaboration between Airbus and Safran-IHI. They plan to develop a hydrogen-powered turbofan engine that can be used in commercial aircraft. The project will include testing of the engine, as well as a helicopter demonstrator that will be powered entirely by hydrogen.

The engine is expected to be ready to test by 2022, and the testing phase will likely last until 2024. Airbus and Safran-IHI are hopeful that the project will lead to the world’s first commercial aircraft powered entirely by hydrogen.

Greener Aviation at Last?

Hydrogen-powered aircraft have the potential to drastically reduce emissions in the aviation industry. Compared to traditional aircraft powered by fossil fuels, hydrogen-powered aircraft produce no emissions. This could be a major step towards reducing the environmental damage caused by air travel.

Airbus and Safran-IHI are optimistic about the results of their “ZeroE” project. If successful, it could revolutionize air travel and pave the way for a greener future for the aviation industry.

Conclusion

Airbus’s decision to partner with the French-Japanese firm Safran-IHI is an exciting step towards greener aviation. Their “ZeroE” project aims to develop a hydrogen-powered turbofan engine that could revolutionize air travel. If successful, the project could reduce emissions in the aviation industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.