Turbotech, Safran and Air Liquide validate liquid‑hydrogen turbine for light aviation
- Ground demonstration of a liquid hydrogen‑fueled gas turbine completed at Air Liquide’s Grenoble Technologies Campus in September 2024.
- An initial engine qualification run using gaseous hydrogen took place in January 2024 at ArianeGroup’s Vernon site.
- The engine was coupled to a cryogenic –250°C liquid storage system developed by Air Liquide to show end‑to‑end integration.
- BeautHyFuel was launched in June 2022 by Turbotech, Elixir Aviation, Safran, Air Liquide and Daher and is supported by the French DGAC.
Demonstration completed
In September 2024 Turbotech, Safran and Air Liquide completed ground demonstration testing of a hydrogen‑fueled gas turbine intended for light aviation at Air Liquide’s Grenoble Technologies Campus. The engine is based on an ultra‑efficient regenerative cycle and was fed from a liquid hydrogen tank.
Test sequence
The September campaign followed an initial January 2024 phase where the engine was characterised using gaseous hydrogen at ArianeGroup’s Vernon site. The second phase coupled the engine to a cryogenic (–250°C) liquid storage system to demonstrate an integrated propulsion chain replicating aircraft functions.
Project purpose and technical aims
BeautHyFuel aims to design and ground test a hydrogen propulsion system rated for light aviation and develop a methodology for retrofit certification. The project targeted energy density comparable to Avgas or Jet A‑1 while accounting for retrofit, operability and cryogenic certification constraints.
Partnership and support
BeautHyFuel was formed in June 2022 by Turbotech, Elixir Aviation, Safran, Air Liquide and Daher and is supported by the French government through the DGAC under the post‑pandemic stimulus programme. Project partners emphasised integration of Safran’s propulsion and fuel‑system expertise with Air Liquide’s cryogenic storage technologies.
Source: Air Liquide