Airbus Prepares to Test Hydrogen-Powered APU on A330 Airliner

Airbus Prepares to Test Hydrogen-Powered APU on A330 Airliner**

Airbus is set to receive an auxiliary power unit (APU) adapted by H3 Dynamics to operate on a 500-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell. This demonstrator unit will be used to replace the conventional APU on a 400-seat A330 airliner for upcoming test flights.

Announced during the Paris Air Show in June 2023, this test program is part of the Airbus UpNext technology initiative, which focuses on hydrogen propulsion advancements. Through its ZeroE program, Airbus aims to launch a 200-seat hydrogen-powered airliner by 2035, offering an operational range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles.

In the coming months, Airbus plans to integrate the hydrogen APU into the aircraft. H3 Dynamics designed the APU to meet aerospace standards and developed a digital twin to aid in testing.

According to H3 Dynamics, APUs—which power non-propulsive systems like air conditioning and cabin electrical functions—offer a promising early use for hydrogen technology in reducing carbon emissions. The company, based in Toulouse, is developing a series of hydrogen fuel cell units with power outputs ranging from 50 kilowatts to 2 megawatts to meet a variety of in-flight and ground power needs.