RIYADH: A design of a liquid hydrogen-powered airliner theoretically capable of matching the performance of current midsize aircraft with zero emissions was unveiled by a UK research group.
The FlyZero concept envisions a commercial plane carrying 279 passengers non-stop from London to San Francisco matching today's comfort and speed, Bloomberg reported citing a statement by the Aerospace Technology Institute.
The group is a partnership between the UK government and industry.
Hydrogen fuel technology is seen as a viable option away from fossil fuel commercial flights, however it is a challenge for storing on aircraft and the infrastructure for its widespread rollout remains in its infancy.
ATI said it expects hydrogen aircraft to operate in 2030 and would publish further details on such aircraft, technology roadmaps, economic reports and sustainability assessments by early next year, according to Bloomberg.
The UK, which hosted the COP26 climate summit last month, is funding new technologies to help create aerospace jobs while meeting its climate targets.
