In June 2020, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking published their report “Hydrogen-powered aviation – A fact-based study on hydrogen technology, economics, and climate impact by 2050.” H2-international took advantage of the opportunity to ask FCH JU executive director Bart Biebuyck the following two questions:
Fuel cell propulsion systems are not only being developed for unmanned aircraft, hydrogen is also increasingly becoming a topic in passenger transport. The US space agency NASA, for example, together with the engineering school of the University of Illinois, is constructing electric aircraft using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells.
Dr. Heinz Günter Klug passed away last fall. On Oct. 12, 2015, the long-time pioneer of hydrogen technology died at the age of 78. The mechanical engineer, who was born in Mainz, provided important contributions to hydrogen engine testing for aircraft during his time as project head at Airbus. Twenty years ago, he was one of the founding members of the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association. Klug, who last lived in Hamburg, was the coordinator of the Europe-wide Cryoplane research project before he retired in 2002.
A unique aircraft with a distinctive design and innovative engine technology – that is how one could sum up the features of the Hy4, which the German Aerospace Center (DLR) had already showcased at the World of Energy Solutions on Oct. 12, 2015. The new concept study was presented by project head Professor Josef Kallo, who had already been responsible for developing its predecessor.