Europe-based global major aerospace group Airbus’ wholly-owned technology innovation subsidiary, Airbus UpNext, has launched a new demonstrator programme, to test hydrogen fuel cells as sources for auxiliary power for airliners. The programme, announced on Tuesday, the second day of the Paris Air Show, will involve both ground and flight tests and see an Airbus A330 widebody airliner modified to act as the demonstrator aircraft.

All airliners are fitted with auxiliary power units (APUs). These are small additional engines which provide the electricity needed to power the aircraft’s non-propulsive systems, such as avionics, air conditioning, and onboard lighting. These APUs use the same jet fuel as the airliner’s main engines. They thus contribute to the aircraft’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

This demonstration programme will be based in Airbus’ facilities in Spain. It will involve a ground test bed as well as the demonstrator A330, which will have its conventional APU replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell that will generate the electricity required to power its non-propulsive systems. This demonstrator will be designated HyPower.

“These tests will mark a new step in our decarbonisation journey and ZEROe [zero carbon emissions] programme through an ambitious flight demonstration that will take to the air by end 2025,” highlighted Airbus UpNext CEO Michael Augello. “We want to demonstrate the operability and integration of the system, including refuelling the aircraft with hydrogen. We will demonstrate this system in realistic conditions, climbing up to 25 000 ft [7 620 m] and flying for one hour with 10 kg of gaseous hydrogen on board. However, we cannot do this alone and our cooperation with the Spanish government and external partners will be key enablers of this series of tests.”

Airbus UpNext will acquire a renewable hydrogen production unit, to supply all the hydrogen needed for the test programme. The demonstration will also involve the use of new design features and integration techniques, to help mature both the operations and safety of future aircraft powered by hydrogen. It will demonstrate in-flight stable operation by a fuel cell, including it being restarted. And, of course, it will seek to reduce the aircraft’s emissions of GHGs.