Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Safran and its partner Turbotech have reported progress in their efforts to develop hydrogen-powered turboprop engines for the general aviation market. Last month, the French companies ground-tested a hydrogen-fueled gas turbine as part of the BeautHyFuel project to produce a hydrogen power train for a light aircraft.
According to French aircraft engines and systems manufacturer Safran, the tests were successfully conducted at the Vernon facility of space group Ariane, which has used hydrogen propulsion for rockets. The work, which has received French government financial backing, also included Elixir Aircraft, Air Liquide, and Daher.
According to Turbotech CEO Damien Fauvet, the first test used one of the company’s TP-R90 regenerative turboprop engines. “As we move to liquid hydrogen fuel, the aim is to offer a high energy-density propulsion system with real commercial applications,” he said. “Our solution will be readily retrofittable on light airplanes and could have potential in other market segments.”
Safran’s involvement in the BeautHyFuel project is part of its wider work with CFM International—its engines joint venture with GE Aviation—to support Airbus’ ZeroE project to produce a hydrogen-powered airliner by 2035. “The first stage of the project has already gone beyond our expectations,” said Pierre-Alain Lambert, Safran’s v-p of hydrogen programs. “Our objective was to validate the behavior of the engine and fuel control system at all phases, from engine start to full throttle, as well as the strategies in the event of a failure.”
Light aircraft makers Daher and Elixir are providing guidance on topics such as systems integration, aircraft development, certification, manufacturing, and maintenance. Fuel specialist Air Liquide is providing expertise in cryogenic hydrogen storage technology. Turbotech produces light turbine engines, while Safran manufactures larger aircraft engines and fuel systems.
The BeautHyFuel partners have not indicated when they may be able to bring a hydrogen-powered light aircraft to market.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Safran and Partners Test Hydrogen Turboprop Engines for Aircraft

BeautHyFuel project has received French government funding

Safran is working with partners including Turbotech, Daher, and Elexir on the BeautHyFuel project to develop a hydrogen propulsion system for light aircraft.

Safran and Partners Test Aircraft Turboprop Hydrogen Engines

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

In this article

CFM

Safran Aircraft Engines

More In Engines

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

Rolls-Royce Expands Capacity and Predictability in Engine Support

A new hangar in Indianapolis and better access to engine data are boosting the CorporateCare program

Honeywell Ensemble Offers Real-time Engine Monitoring

The solution provides automated data reporting for business jet turbofan engines

Skydiving Operator Commits to Electric Caravan Aircraft

Norway's Skydive Voss, Dovetail Electric Aviation and Scandinavian Seaplanes will conduct flight tests

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN