Rolls-Royce runs modern aero gas turbine on 100% hydrogen across flight cycle

Rolls-Royce has demonstrated a modern aero gas turbine running on 100 percent hydrogen across a simulated flight cycle, completing tests covering take-off, cruise and landing. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which joined the Rolls-Royce hydrogen propulsion program as an engineering and technology partner in 2024, supported the effort across fuel systems, engine controls, combustion analysis and testing. The demonstration marks a step toward using hydrogen to power future aircraft. The program began in 2022 with Rolls-Royce and easyJet and has since focused on proving whether hydrogen can be used reliably in an aircraft gas turbine across different phases of flight. The modified engine was operated entirely on hydrogen during the demonstration. Engineers tested how its combustion, fuel delivery and control systems performed as operating conditions changed from take-off through cruise and landing. Hydrogen tackles flight phases Unlike conventional jet fuel, hydrogen has different combustion and storage characteristics, requiring changes to the systems that deliver and burn it. The program therefore focused on integrating multiple technologies rather than simply demonstrating that hydrogen could burn inside an engine. TCS supported Rolls-Royce with fuel system and engine controls integration, hydrogen combustion analysis, test preparation, validation, data analytics, risk management and detailed design. Adam Newman, Chief Engineer, Hydrogen Demonstrator Program, Rolls-Royce, said, “The programme marks an important milestone in our journey towards more sustainable aviation. 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.” He said the findings will support future propulsion innovations, including UltraFan. The demonstration is significant because hydrogen-powered propulsion could eliminate in-flight carbon dioxide emissions when deployed at scale. Aviation currently accounts for about 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. Engineering pushes hydrogen forward Anupam Singhal, President – Manufacturing, Tata Consultancy Services, said, “This milestone reflects what becomes possible when advanced engineering is combined with digital capabilities and deep ecosystem collaboration to move breakthrough innovation closer to real-world.” Singhal said TCS contributed integrated engineering, systems and software expertise to help move hydrogen propulsion toward practical deployment. The demonstration brought together Rolls-Royce, TCS, easyJet, NASA, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive and other industry partners. Their work covered propulsion development as well as testing and safety considerations. For Rolls-Royce, the latest test provides data on how hydrogen behaves across a complete simulated flight rather than during an isolated engine operating condition. The company said the knowledge gained will help inform future propulsion technologies. TCS will continue working with Rolls-Royce on hydrogen-powered aviation technologies as the partners build on the demonstration. The test does not mean hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft are ready for service. Engineers still need to address issues including hydrogen storage, fuel delivery, aircraft integration and infrastructure before the technology can be deployed at scale.The demonstration, however, shows that a modern aero gas turbine can operate on 100 percent hydrogen through the changing conditions of a full simulated flight cycle, providing another step toward lower-carbon aviation.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.