Rolls-Royce has no imminent plans to actively continue its exploration of hydrogen propulsion, explaining that “as an engine manufacturer, demonstrating [its] ability to use hydrogen fuel is now done.” Instead, with a recent hydrogen combustion test campaign now concluded, the engine maker suggested it instead needs to “pace that program to industry development.”
Speaking at a media briefing in July 2, Rolls-Royce president of civil aerospace Rob Watson suggested that having demonstrated a modified Pearl 15 engine could be run on 100% hydrogen, the practical feasibility of hydrogen combustion was no longer the OEM’s primary focus. “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to demonstrate the capability to burn 100% hydrogen through a full flight cycle, so it’s a rigorous test, but now we need to see where the industry is going to go,” he suggested.
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