Aircraft
GKN Works On Hydrogen Propulsion With Embraer
As part of Embraer's Energia program to consider net zero carbon aircraft, GKN will provide expertise on hydrogen propulsion systems.
GKN's H2Gear program is aimed at developing hydrogen-electric fuel cell systems.
GKN's H2Gear program aims to develop hydrogen-electric fuel cell systems. (Image: GKN)

GKN Aerospace and Embraer plan to collaborate in research and development work on possible hydrogen propulsion systems for aircraft, the companies said Wednesday at the Paris Airshow, adding they will explore the possibility of producing a hydrogen flight demonstrator.

In 2021, Embraer launched its Energia future aircraft concept program and, after initially considering some 20 concepts the Brazilian airframer in December, narrowed the scope of the work to four possible aircraft, including one using direct hydrogen combustion. GKN already participates in multiple hydrogen propulsion projects in Europe, including the H2Gear and H2Jet programs, which respectively concentrate on hydrogen-electric fuel cell-based powertrains and direct combustion of liquid hydrogen fuel in turboprop and turbofan engines.