Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Rolls-Royce have successfully operated a modern aircraft gas turbine entirely on hydrogen during a simulated flight cycle covering take-off, cruise and landing, IT Brief reported.
The companies described the demonstration as an industry first. The test completed a four-year programme led by Rolls-Royce to study whether hydrogen could be used as an aviation fuel. TCS joined the programme later as an engineering partner.
The test examined how the engine, fuel system and control systems performed when using 100% hydrogen. TCS supported the project through work on the fuel system and engine controls, hydrogen combustion, testing, data analysis, risk assessment and detailed engineering design.
The demonstration involved a modified aircraft engine rather than a commercial aircraft carrying passengers. However, testing the engine through a complete simulated flight cycle allowed the companies to study its performance during different stages of operation.
Hydrogen behaves differently from conventional jet fuel, creating challenges in storing and supplying the fuel and managing combustion. The engine and its control systems must also respond to changing conditions during take-off, cruising and landing.
Adam Newman, Chief Engineer of the Hydrogen Demonstrator Programme at Rolls-Royce, said the testing had provided important information about how 100% hydrogen performs in a modern aircraft engine. He said the programme had also helped test key technologies related to combustion, fuel supply and engine controls.
The hydrogen programme was initially launched by Rolls-Royce and easyJet. TCS later joined the effort, providing engineering, software and systems support as the programme moved towards full flight-cycle testing. NASA and the UK Health and Safety Executive were also involved in the wider programme.
Rolls-Royce said the findings could support its future engine development work, including the UltraFan programme. However, the company has not indicated when hydrogen-powered engines could enter commercial service.
Hydrogen is being studied as one possible way to reduce aviation emissions, a challenge for an industry that is difficult to decarbonise. If produced and used at scale in suitable aircraft and engines, hydrogen could eliminate carbon dioxide emissions during flight.
Commercial hydrogen aviation, however, still faces major challenges. These include producing enough low-carbon hydrogen, storing and transporting the fuel, developing airport facilities, changing aircraft designs and meeting safety and regulatory requirements.
For TCS, the project also highlights its growing role in engineering projects for manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automobiles and energy.
TCS President of Manufacturing Anupam Singhal said the project showed how engineering and digital capabilities could be combined with industry partnerships to bring new technologies closer to practical use.
TCS and Rolls-Royce said the knowledge gained from the programme would support future propulsion technologies and the aviation industry’s efforts to move towards lower-carbon air travel.
