DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF LIQUID HYDROGEN FUELLED AIRCRAFT FOR YEAR 2050 EIS

Paper i proceeding, 2022

The present paper reports on the investigation of long-range LH2 aircraft concepts for year 2050 entry into service. The paper attempts to identify the limitations set by the LH2 storage technology when targeting typical design payload-range missions. In particular, the paper aims at providing a reasonable estimate of the upper efficiency levels set by low-weight rigid cell foam insulated tank technology, when integrated in a conventionally shaped airframe. Additionally, a sensitivity study on the gravimetric efficiency of the tanks will be carried out, to identify the required roadmap for LH2 storage technology that is compliant with the typical long range mission requirements. Results for the different LH2 aircraft are compared with a year 2020 and year 2050 reference aircraft fueled with conventional jet-A.