MTU and MT Aerospace to develop liquid-hydrogen fuel system

MTU Aero Engines (MTU) and aerospace company MT Aerospace have announced a collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive liquid-hydrogen (LH2) fuel system for commercial aviation. The partnership, unveiled at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, aims to advance the vision of zero-emission flight. The initial application of this endeavour will be MTU’s innovative Flying Fuel Cell™.

Barnaby Law, Chief Engineer Flying Fuel Cell for MTU, emphasised the longstanding successful partnership and shared commitment to zero-emission aviation. The joint development of the LH2 fuel system began approximately three years ago, encompassing tanks, sensors, heat exchangers, valves, safety systems and control systems. Law expressed optimism about the project’s progress, with plans to conduct the first system test at MT Aerospace in Augsburg, Germany, by the end of the year.

Markus Staudt, Vice President and Head of Business Development Export, Defense & Hydrogen at MT Aerospace, highlighted the company’s extensive expertise with hydrogen in the aerospace sector and the ambition to apply it to commercial aviation. The aerospace experts will focus on cryogenic hydrogen storage and supply systems, additively manufactured heat exchangers, sensors and system integration. Dr Günther Schullerer, Director of Engineering at MT Aerospace, explained that this expertise derives from sustainable technology innovations and numerous product-based cryogenic system tests.

MTU’s scope of work includes the safety system, control system, valve technology, and overall systems leadership. The collaboration closely involves the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure compliance with certification and safety-related requirements. Starting in 2035, the MTU fuel cell will be utilised on shorter routes within the shuttle and regional aviation sector. As its efficiency improves, the system will expand to cover short- and medium-haul routes, further reducing the climate impact of commercial aviation. Law also notes the possibility of modifying the LH2 fuel system, currently being developed for the FFC, to enable direct hydrogen combustion in aircraft engines.

The joint efforts of MTU Aero Engines and MT Aerospace reflect their commitment to sustainable aviation and the development of innovative solutions that pave the way for zero-emission flight.