FASTER-H2

FASTER-H2: Key Technologies for Climate-Neutral Short- and Medium-Range Aircraft

Project Objectives: Development of an Ultra-Efficient and Hydrogen-Capable Aircraft Airframe.

The FASTER-H2 project (Fuselage, Rear Fuselage and Empennage with Cabin and Cargo Architecture Solution Validation and Technologies for H2 Integration) develops and demonstrates advanced key technologies to support climate-friendly aviation. The objective is to create a highly energy-efficient, hydrogen-capable aircraft airframe tailored to the requirements of short- and medium-range (SMR) aircraft. These aircraft will transport between 150 and 250 passengers (PAX) and will be capable of covering distances of 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles.

Propulsion Technologies for Climate-Neutral Aviation: Drop-In and Non-Drop-In Fuels

To achieve climate neutrality in air transport, energy-efficient propulsion technologies for short- and medium-range aircraft are being developed that are based on sustainable drop-in and non-drop-in fuels. The integration of hydrogen propulsion requires extensive innovations in aircraft airframe architecture, particularly for fuel tanks and distribution systems. In addition, sustainable materials for the fuselage and empennage play a decisive role in reducing emissions in the aviation sector.

Impact of Hydrogen and Sustainable Propulsion Technologies on Aircraft Architecture

Environmentally friendly technologies such as direct combustion and fuel cells influence the entire aircraft structure, from the empennage structure to the integrated systems for energy supply. The specific properties of hydrogen present new challenges for aerospace engineering: integration into conventional aircraft configurations requires a reorientation of design principles and thorough validation.

Validation of Hydrogen Distribution under Realistic Operating Conditions

FASTER-H2 therefore investigates how hydrogen can be distributed and stored under realistic operating and safety conditions. Advanced manufacturing technologies are used to reduce production waste and to increase material and energy efficiency. An integrated fuselage concept (TRL3/4) will be developed by 2025, with the objective of reaching technology readiness level TRL6 by 2030 and enabling operational deployment from 2035 onward.