Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Drone Tests Could Clear the Way for Larger Aircraft

GKN Aerospace used a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack to test the use of liquid hydrogen fuel on a ground-based testbed representing a search-and-rescue drone.

GKN Aerospace used a small-scale uncrewed air system to evaluate liquid hydrogen fuel propulsion systems. — GKN Aerospace used a small-scale uncrewed air system to evaluate liquid hydrogen fuel propulsion systems that could eventually power larger aircraft. (Image: GKN Aerospace)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 15, 2022

GKN Aerospace has delivered its first ground-based demonstrator for a liquid hydrogen fuel system. While the first unit is for a small uncrewed air system (UAS) intended for search-and-rescue use, the company says the technology demonstrator could prove to be a significant step as continues its work on much larger hydrogen-powered aircraft, including passenger-carrying airliners.

Over a 12-month period, GKN and Filton Systems Engineering designed, built, and tested the demonstrator in the UK as part of the government-funded Safe Flight project. This is intended to find environmentally sustainable ways to increase the endurance of search-and-rescue missions.

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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