MTU Steps Up Decarbonization Work on Fuel Cells and Water-Enhanced Turbofan

Dubai Airshow 2023

MTU Steps Up Work on Fuel Cells and Water-Enhanced Turbofan

Key objectives are to support new narrowbody airliners by the mid-2030s and larger aircraft by 2050

MTU's Water Enhanced Turbofan — The Water Enhanced Turbofan is MTU's contribution to the Sustainable Water-Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics program, which also involves Airbus, Pratt & Whitney, Collins, and GKN. (Image: MTU)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 12, 2023

MTU Aero Engines is highlighting at its Dubai exhibit a pair of new propulsion concepts it views as strong prospects for decarbonizing air transportation starting in the 2030s. The German manufacturer is now accelerating engineering collaborations with multiple partners to advance both its Water-Enhanced Turbofan (WET) and Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) innovations.

The FFC will convert hydrogen into electricity to support future powertrains that MTU believes could advance the industry beyond the range and payload limitations of battery-electric aircraft. According to innovative propulsion director Fabian Donus, initial applications of the fuel cell technology to be ready for entry into service around 2035 will center on aircraft carrying up to 100 passengers on flights of up to 1,000 nm. Since the FFC would emit only water, its developers expect the innovation to reduce climate impact by as much as 95 percent.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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