EasyJet and Rolls-Royce have announced an innovative new partnership that will pioneer the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology capable of powering a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment. Both companies have agreed to work together on a series of ground-based engine tests, due to start later this year, and have a shared ambition to take the technology to the air. The goal of the partnership is to demonstrate that hydrogen has the potential to power a range of aircraft from the mid-2030s. While Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in engine and combustion system development, easyJet will contribute its operational expertise and will also invest directly in the test programme. Through this programme, the companies will support an initial ground proof of concept of a Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engine in the UK later this year. This will be followed by a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine; A variety of location options are being evaluated for this, including Rolls-Royce's test facility in Mississippi, USA. The program will build on the initial hydrogen combustion platform and fuel system tests that Rolls-Royce is doing with Cranfield and Loughborough Universities. The announced agreement follows a research project that both companies began in 2021, developing market analysis, driving specifications, investigating infrastructure and regulatory requirements to support the use of hydrogen in aviation. “To achieve net zero by 2050, we have always said radical action is needed to address the climate impact of aviation. That is why today we are pleased to announce this partnership with Rolls-Royce,” said Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet. “This is a major step forward for Rolls-Royce and we are excited to be working with a partner that shares a desire to innovate and find new answers to aviation's biggest challenges,” said Grazia Vittadini, Rolls-Royce Chief Technology and Strategy Officer. Royce.
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