UK-based global major power and propulsion systems group Rolls-Royce and India-based global IT, consulting and business services company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), part of India’s global Tata Group, have announced that they have demonstrated the successful use of 100% hydrogen to fuel a modern gas turbine engine throughout a completely simulated flight cycle. This is an industry first and is the latest achievement in the hydrogen propulsion programme launched by Rolls-Royce and UK budget airline easyJet in 2022, which TCS joined in 2024.
“The programme marks an important milestone in our journey towards more sustainable aviation,” affirmed Rolls-Royce Hydrogen Demonstrator Programme chief engineer Adam Newman. “Through a rigorous and carefully staged testing approach, we have gained valuable insights into how 100% hydrogen behaves in a modern aero gas turbine across a full flight cycle while validating critical combustion, fuel and control system technologies. TCS has been a trusted partner throughout this programme. The learnings from this initiative will support future propulsion innovations, including [our] UltraFan [future engine technology programme], and strengthen our confidence that gas turbine technology can continue to play an important role in the future of sustainable flight."
