In September 2024, Turbotech, Safran and Air Liquide completed ground demonstration testing of a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine aeroengine based on an ultra-efficient regenerative cycle and fed from a liquid hydrogen tank. 

This demonstration follows a first test phase in January 2024 using hydrogen fuel stored in gaseous form in order to perform an initial characterization of the engine. In this second test phase, the engine was coupled to a cryogenic (–250°C) liquid storage system developed by Air Liquide to demonstrate the end-to-end integration of a propulsion system replicating all functions on a complete aircraft.

“This second stage marks the successful culmination of the project,” said Pierre-Alain Lambert, VP Hydrogen Programs, Safran. “By coupling our technology to Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage system, which provides the energy density needed for aircraft applications, we’ve demonstrated that a complete high-tech propulsion solution with zero carbon emissions in flight is possible and that it can be directly integrated into light aircraft. For Safran, it rounds out the range of small-scale, agile exploratory projects we’ve been conducting, which are particularly valuable for addressing specific challenges in hydrogen propulsion for commercial aviation.”

Xavier Traversac, VP Air Liquide advanced Technologies, added: “Decarbonization calls for close collaboration between the various industry players. We’re proud to be involved in this project as a recognized expert in hydrogen technologies and a partner to help accelerate innovation, thanks in particular to our test facility at the Campus Technologies Grenoble. Hydrogen is one of the key elements in the energy transition — and this success is another step toward low-carbon flying.”