Airbus ZeroE is a program aiming toward zero-emission aircrafts by 2035. This program has been launched with the objective of hydrogen technologies both on the ground and in the air. Liquid hydrogen is used as fuel in these aircrafts. The hydrogen fuel cells create electrical power that supports the gas turbine which results in a highly efficient hybrid-electric propulsion system. The three ZeroE aircrafts are the Turbofan, Turboprop, and the ‘Blended Wing Body. In 2015, Airbus used the A380 MSN1 for the ZeroE program. The A380 aircraft is the largest passenger aircraft and its size was ideal for this program. It could carry four liquid hydrogen tanks in a caudal position as well as the hydrogen combustion engine arranged along the rear fuselage. The liquid hydrogen distribution system will feed into a conditioning system in which the liquid hydrogen will be transformed into its gaseous form before it is put into the engine where it is combusted for propulsion. This hydrogen fuel system can be installed in any existing aircraft.
The turboprop which looks like the ATR72 will have a range of 1852 km and will be powered by two hydrogen turboprop engines. This aircraft will be able to carry under 100 passengers. The turbofan still has a range of 3704 km and will look just like the aircrafts we fly in today. The blended wing body has a totally new design. This design gives more space to store hydrogen and seat passengers. Airbus has also released the cabin designs for passengers onboard these aircrafts. The new design shows that there will be spaces to exercise, as well as spaces for sleeping such as bunk beds. Hopefully, these aircraft and new technologies are released soon and lead to the evolution of the aircraft industry.
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