Operational Performance Prediction of a Hydrogen -Fueled Commercial Transport

The engineering feasibility of a hydrogen -fueled aircraft is certainly possible, as has been researc hed for varying reasons since the 1950’s; however, results have lacked consensus on the detailed performance of such an aircraft . Hydrogen shows the potential to considerably reduce the emissions of aircraft, countering the increase in emissions due to th e growth of commercial aviation. To be viable, hydrogen needs to be produced in an environmentally compatible, affordable manner in large quantities. Also, hydrogen aircraft need to be demonstrated as safe, energy -efficient, and affordable. This paper p resents work which has been done to predict the operational performance of a hydrogen -fueled commercial transport relative to an energy equivalent conventional aircraft . The environmental bearing and future costs of kerosene -type jet fuel and liquid hydro gen are contrasted. The cost effectiveness and environmental impact are evaluated based on the performance predictions of the hydrogen -fueled commercial transport and compare d to a similar modern kerosene fueled aircraft . Summaries of the overall hydroge n aircraft design problem, proposed aircraft configuration, propulsion syste m, environmental emissions, safety considerations , relative performance, and cost effectiveness are presented in this paper.