Cranfield University and its partners have been awarded a share of a £250 million UK government investment to accelerate green aerospace technologies, with a focus on hydrogen-powered flight. The announcement was made by Industry Minister Sarah Jones at the Paris Air Show.
Cranfield is leading two pioneering projects: DRAGONFLY and MACH2INE. These projects will capitalise on the university's expertise in hydrogen powers and materials science.
DRAGONFLY, delivered with Actuation Lab, is developing a special valve to control the flow of super-cold liquid hydrogen for future zero-emissions aircraft. The team will work on prototype manufacturing, pressure testing and flow testing, as well as fatigue analysis.
MACH1INE, delivered with Darvick, is creating machines to test materials used in hydrogen-powered aircraft. The machines will be able to test materials at extreme temperatures and pressures, and under complex forces.