Aircraft
MTU Empowered by Growing Hydrogen Propulsion Consensus
MTU Aero Engines and DLR have started work on their converted hydrogen-powered Dornier 228 aircraft, but also see direct combustion as an option.
MTU Aero Engines is working with German aerospace research agency DLR to develop a technology demonstrator to power a Dornier 228 aircraft with hydrogen. (Image: MTU Aero Engines)
MTU Aero Engines is working with German aerospace research agency DLR to develop a technology demonstrator to power a Dornier 228 aircraft with hydrogen. (Image: MTU Aero Engines)

MTU Aero Engines is stepping up efforts to support the adoption of hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel for air transport, with the start of engineering work for its joint project with the DLR German Aerospace Center to convert a Dornier 228 regional airliner. The partners expect to be ready to start ground testing subsystems during the second quarter of 2021 as they prepare for the first flight of the technology demonstrator in 2026.