Read on Twitter
Airbus reveals plan to build zero-emission airliners, based on using hydrogen tech. Plans unveiled today show three different options on the table, with 2035 suggested as the entry-into-service:
Option 1: turbofan, 200 passengers, using liquid hydrogen stored in tanks
Option 2: propellors, 100 passengers
Option 3: the blended wing. Creates lots of space for hydrogen tanks
There is big interest in the blended wing concept, given the big fuel savings its promises. KLM is working on a prototype but it's a radical departure from conventional designs, so the technical/regulatory etc obstacles are mighty
There are also doubts about Airbus' "zero emission" claims already. Hydrogen combustion releases water vapour and NOx, both of which can have climate impacts at altitude. Non-CO2 emissions get little focus, great piece here via @CarbonBrief on them https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-calculating-the-true-climate-impact-of-aviation-emissions?utm_content=buffercca22&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-calculating-the-true-climate-impact-of-aviation-emissions?utm_content=buffercca22&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Full story here on how the French government's virus bailout opened the door for this announcement: https://www.euractiv.com/section/aerospace/news/airbus-reveals-zero-emission-plane-plan/
