New aircraft combine the best research and results all Kawasaki cultivated

A hydrogen aircraft is fueled with liquefied hydrogen instead of conventional fossil fuels. The use of hydrogen as a fuel is expected to be a considerable step toward achieving carbon neutrality, because the substance does not emit carbon dioxide. However, it is not easy to use hydrogen to fly a plane. Liquefied hydrogen needs to be kept at the extremely low temperature of −253°C; moreover, the volume is about four times larger than conventional fuels. As opposed to the stable conditions on the ground, the temperature and pressure vary greatly during flight. While most people might think the difference is merely the fuel, we are actually working to create a novel, original airplanes to fit the fuel in question.

Development of the hydrogen aircraft is a first even for Kawasaki, a company that has been in the aviation business forages. When I joined this project, only a few members, including me, were assigned to the engine, and we were just searching for clues in the beginning. However, Kawasaki has a history of making repeated attempts in handling hydrogen and overcoming difficulties. Although some approaches are not fruitful, the result is never “nothing” even if development needed to be stopped. By studying the results of past studies and achievements, I hoped to move the conversation forward, even just a little. Our small team grew to comprise many designers and CAD operators, and the first combustion test of hydrogen burner for aero engine, which is one of the most important technology of an aircraft, is scheduled for fiscal year 2022.

In the development of hydrogen aircraft engines, the team mainly takes part in concrete research and development, whereas I, as the leader, am responsible for cooperation and negotiations with internal and external parties while backing up the team and managing their progress. What I emphasize when meeting people outside of Kawasaki, in particular, is the importance of the implementation of technologies. There is no point in thinking about the technology in a vacuum. How will it actually be required by society? What effect could domestic and international situations have on development? If we adopt a slightly wider view, we can create technologies that are easier to commercialize and use. Because the effective use of hydrogen is in greater demand, I hope we receive a positive response so that our work contributes to the realization of a carbon neutral world. All members of our team are paving the road to a society where hydrogen aircraft will operate in 2030.