FutureFlight
France's BeautHyFuel Green Aviation Project Pursues Cryogenic Hydrogen Propulsion Goals
The next step on a journey toward hydrogen-powered aircraft will start with the planned first flight in 2023 of an Elixir light airplane powered by a new TP-90 turbine engine.
The Elixir light aircraft will be used as a testbed for Turbotech's new TP-90 engine.
The Elixir light aircraft will be a testbed for the TP-90 turbine engine as part of a longer-term French project to introduce cryogenic hydrogen propulsion technology. (Image: Elexir Aircraft)

Elixir Aircraft is preparing to fly an all-new turbine-powered version of its two-seat Elixir light aircraft as part of its strategy to transition to more environmentally friendly propulsion. The single-engine model will use the new 140-horsepower TP-90 powerplant, which is part of what fellow French company Turbotech says is a family of eco-friendly engines. Included in this lineup is a planned cryogenic hydrogen propulsion system for light aircraft, which Elixir is also supporting.

This concept is the focus of a research program called BeautHyFuel. Initiated at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the 40-month project was officially launched in April 2020 and is supported by €3.6 million ($3.5 million) in funding from the France Relance Covid-19 economic recovery plan. It falls within the framework of the country’s CORAC civil aviation research council.