The Climate Impulse aircraft is set to fly continuously around the equator for 9 days using only green hydrogen fuel in 2028.
A team of experts led by Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, is developing the hydrogen aircraft named Climate Impulse, as reported by Interesting Engineering on August 9. This aircraft is designed for continuous flight around the equator for 9 days, utilizing entirely green hydrogen as fuel.
Design of the Climate Impulse hydrogen aircraft. (Photo: Syensqo).
The project’s goal is to achieve the first-ever flight around the world using a hydrogen aircraft, expected to take place in 2028. Testing will commence in 2026. The initiative aims to demonstrate the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for the aviation industry.
Piccard is renowned for his pioneering around-the-world flights in hot air balloons and solar-powered aircraft. However, he believes that solar-powered airplanes are not practical for commercial aviation. He explains that larger aircraft require larger battery packs, and a portion of the energy would be wasted carrying such heavy batteries. “In that case, using hydrogen would be more efficient,” Piccard stated.
The design of the Climate Impulse features a small central cabin for the pilots, flanked by two large liquid hydrogen tanks. A slender wing connects these components. Each tank has a propeller mounted at the front and tail, providing thrust and stability.
However, the main challenge is maintaining liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero, throughout the 9-day flight. “The biggest technical challenge is to construct an aircraft centered around two liquid hydrogen tanks maintained at -253 degrees Celsius, powering electric engines through fuel cells,” explained Raphael Dinelli, who oversees the design and construction of Climate Impulse.
To address this, the project team is developing revolutionary thermal tanks capable of maintaining the fuel’s state throughout the flight. They are collaborating with the science company Syensqo to develop the advanced systems of Climate Impulse.
The Climate Impulse aircraft is expected to be completed within two years. In a world increasingly in need of reducing carbon emissions, this aircraft represents a bold step towards a greener future for aviation. “Environmental protection only becomes a reality if it is seen as economically viable and does not require financial sacrifice or behavioral changes,” Piccard concluded.
