Rolls-Royce breaks ground on hydrogen jet engine test site at NASA space centre

Rolls-Royce has broken ground on a site at a NASA space centrewhere it will undertake testing of a hydrogen-fuelled aircraft engine witheasyJet.

Located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the teststand will allow the aerospace firm to demonstrate a Pearl 15 engine running on100% hydrogen.

Partnering with UK airline easyJet and Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) for the trials, it comes after Rolls-Royce and easyJet completed a jetengine test run on hydrogen in 2022.

Rolls-Royce describes its Pearl 15 engine as a “powerhouse ofthe latest technologies.” Used in the Bombardier Global 5500 and 6500, theengine powers the aircraft to reach top speeds of Mach 0.9 (690 mph).

Last year, Rolls-Royce tested a Pearl annular combustor runningon 100% hydrogen to prove the fuel could be used at conditions representingmaximum take-off thrust.

Deborah Robinson, Director – Test & Experimental Engineeringfor Rolls-Royce, said the company was excited to partner with easyJet and NASAto explore the viability of decarbonising aviation with hydrogen.

“It’s a truly remarkable feat to – in just a few short years –go from conceptual design stage to full engine testing with 100% hydrogen,helping take us a step closer to our vision of operating zero-carbonhydrogen-powered aircraft technology in the years to come,” added easyJet ChiefOperating Officer, David Morgan.

John Bailey, NASA Stennis Director, said, “We welcome theopportunity to team with Rolls-Royce on its next test project.”

Source: H2 View