Engines
GKN Joins ICEFlight Hydrogen Power Initiative
Company adds hydrogen power knowledge to the Netherlands-based initiative
SWITCH hybrid-electric GTF engine
SWITCH hybrid-electric GTF engine. © Pratt & Whitney

GKN Aerospace is a new recruit to the Innovative Cryogenic Electric Flight (ICEFlight) project, an initiative focused on accelerating the maturation of critical cryogenic technologies. The project explores the use of liquid hydrogen as a fuel source as well as a cold source for electrical system cooling.

ICEFlight, centered on the Netherlands, is led by Airbus through its Dutch Tech Hub and the company’s UpNext innovation division via the public-private Luchtvaart in Transitie (LIT) program. Other Dutch companies and institutes involved in ICEFlight include Cryoworld, Stirling Cryogenics, Futura Composites, the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR), and the universities of Delft and Twente. GKN Aerospace’s local contribution will be supported by its UK-based hydrogen capabilities and its experience with current and past hydrogen projects.

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