Status of the Program to Develop LH ₂ for Aircraft

Design and analytical studies conducted since 1972 have shown that liquid hydrogen offers attractive advantages as a fuel for transport aircraft. These advantages, based largely on theory and analysis, need to be demonstrated in order that LH₂ can be considered a credible candidate when nations address their energy futures and the air transport industry selects a fuel to replace petroleum-base Jet A.

A research and development program plan to accomplish this goal has been written and approved by a multinational group of concerned industry representatives. The program encompasses development of advanced methods of manufacturing and liquefying hydrogen; components and systems needed to store, measure, control, and distribute LH₂ effectively at airports; as well as components and systems required to use it efficiently in aircraft. The program tasks, budget, and schedule are outlined in a review of the status of the effort to implement the plan among the several countries which are involved.