easyJet and Rolls-Royce Successfully Test Modified Jet Engine on 100% Hydrogen Fuel

easyJet and Rolls-Royce have announced the successful completion of a major hydrogen aviation fuel testing milestone. A modified Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engine ran on 100% hydrogen at full take-off power during ground testing at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The test validated that a modern jet engine, scalable to power a narrowbody aircraft, can safely operate on gaseous hydrogen across a fully simulated flight cycle, including start-up, take-off, cruise, and landing. The programme resulted from a four-year collaboration between Rolls-Royce, easyJet, and global partners including Tata Consultancy Services and the UK's Health and Safety Executive.

The testing approach was incremental and technology-led. Initial engine testing occurred at Boscombe Down in the UK in 2022, followed by component and system rig tests and development of a full-scale hydrogen test facility. Engineers explored hydrogen combustion, fuel systems, and engine integration across a wide range of operating conditions, including fault scenarios.

The programme generated insights into hydrogen behaviour in modern aero gas turbines, with findings applicable to future programmes including Rolls-Royce's UltraFan platform. The achievement supports easyJet's net zero ambition and complements Sustainable Aviation Fuel as part of aviation's decarbonization strategy.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →