Airbus to trial hydrogen-fuelled auxiliary power in-flight

Airbus UpNext has launched a new demonstrator programme to explore new architecture for the generation of non-propulsive energy by hydrogen fuel cells.  Normally, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is run by jet fuel, and this provides the energy required to power non-propulsive aircraft functions like air conditioning, onboard lighting, and electric power for avionics. With this technology demonstrator, Airbus will replace the APU of an A330 with a hydrogen fuel cell system that will generate electricity. This is known as HyPower, and it will reduce CO2 emissions and noise levels that come with a regular APU.  “These tests will mark