The test took place at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Stennis Space Center in the U.S. state of Mississippi. A modified Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 aircraft engine was used, which, according to the company, was operated at full takeoff power.
Jet Engine Completes Full Flight Cycle
The ground test demonstrated that modern, scalable jet engines can be safely powered by hydrogen . As part of the tests, the engine underwent a fully simulated flight cycle —including takeoff, cruise, and landing. It is intended for use in narrow-body aircraft.
A four-year development project with international partners
The test is the result of a four-year development program in which the partners are investigating the use of hydrogen as an aviation fuel. Their goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions in aviation over the long term.
In addition to EasyJet and Rolls-Royce, other partners were also involved, including the technology company TATA Consultancy Services Ltd. and organizations in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Multi-stage testing program since 2022
The program followed a phased approach. In 2022 , the first phase involved testing the operation of an aircraft engine—the Rolls-Royce AE2100—using 100 percent green hydrogen. The engine tests were conducted in the United Kingdom at that time.
This was followed by tests in Germany: At the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne, a fully annular combustion chamber from a Rolls-Royce Pearl engine was also operated using 100 percent hydrogen (as reported by H2News). According to the company, these tests demonstrated that the fuel can be burned under conditions representing maximum takeoff thrust.
As part of the testing, a hydrogen test facility was also set up at the Health and Safety Laboratory in England. This was followed by the deployment of a hydrogen-powered demonstration engine.
This knowledge should be applied in future programs
As part of the program, the companies said they were able to gain expertise in hydrogen combustion, fuel systems, and engine integration. According to Adam Newman, chief engineer of the hydrogen demonstrator program at Rolls-Royce, this knowledge—which is largely fuel-independent—is to be applied in future programs.
One of these programs is “UltraFan,” through which the company aims, among other things, to improve the fuel efficiency of its narrow-body and wide-body aircraft fleets. The technologies developed as part of the program could be powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Ground tests are scheduled for 2028.
