The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and MTU Aero Engines are jointly developing a fuel cell propulsion system for the aviation industry.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding, signed on Wednesday (5th August), the two partners plan to equip a Dornier 228 (Do228) aircraft with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell and an electrical, single-sided propeller engine with over 500kw shaft output, and flight test it over the coming years.
The aim of the joint technology project is to develop a complete drive train suitable for aviation.
The partners are aiming for the maiden flight of the Do228 demonstrator to take place in 2026.
DLR is managing the flight project and providing and operating the research aircraft. It is also responsible for the integration and certification of the powertrain.
The research institute will also offer its expertise in the fields of flight testing and aircraft aerodynamics and aeroelasticity.
Rolf Henke, DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics Research and Technology, and Lars Wagner, Chief Operating Officer at MTU Aero Engines.
“Although great progress in the performance and lifespan of fuel cells has been made in recent years, there is still a considerable need for research into their use in aviation,” said Rolf Henke, DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics Research and Technology.
“This planned joint research-industry project is the first of many steps towards emission-free aviation.”
MTU is tasked with the development of the complete powertrain powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. All work and integration processes will be carried out jointly and in close coordination.
Lars Wagner, Chief Operating Officer at MTU, added, “As things stand today, fuel cells utilising sustainably produced hydrogen offer the greatest long-term potential for realising emissions-free aviation.”
“We believe that they could offer sufficient performance and range for regional, short- and medium-haul aircraft.”
