The EICHLAIR Project (Engine with Internal Combustion Liquid Hydrogen for Aircraft & Industrial Resilient) is a truly transformative initiative for the hydrogen aerospace sector. It aligns with France's ambition to produce the first low-carbon aircraft by introducing a long-range decarbonized (zero CO2 emissions) aircraft.The project's development has brought together a consortium of three industry-leading companies: eHP², Design Tech Centre, and I-SEE, with eHP² leading the project.
A true technological innovation, the hydrogen internal combustion engine and liquid hydrogen storage system will be directly integrated into the aircraft. The primary challenge of this solution is to demonstrate that this fully decarbonized propulsion system can be easily incorporated into a light aircraft without significant adaptations or operational modifications, all while ensuring complete safety (cryogenic liquid H2).
Jean-François Nicolino, President and Founder of eHP², expressed his enthusiasm:
« N"We are incredibly proud to have been selected as winners of the France 2030 program to advance our project to transform the hydrogen aerospace sector. This includes developing an internal combustion engine (ICE) designed to burn hydrogen (H2) with an efficiency of 40-45%, fully decarbonized (0 CO2), and certified for aerospace applications.
The support and trust provided by France 2030, through Bpifrance, will enable us to accelerate the development of our liquid hydrogen powertrain solution, aiming for market availability by 2030." à hydrogène liquide pour une mise sur le marché en 2030. »
Franck Doyen, CEO and Founder of Design Tech Centre, added:
"This project is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our expertise, explore new ideas, and contribute to the rise of decarbonized aviation. Our liquid hydrogen storage solution, with a gravimetric index exceeding 30%, is undoubtedly well-suited for aviation.
We are confident that this project will be a key milestone in our journey, illustrating our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and making a significant impact."
About eHP²
eHP², a company specializing in the engineering and manufacturing of innovative powertrains, focuses on designing and certifying solutions for B2B clients. It also sells products such as batteries, internal combustion engines, electric motors/gear motors, hybrid powertrains, and more. eHP² is responsible for project management as well as the design and manufacturing of the H2 internal combustion engine (ICE).
eHP² sera responsable de la gestion du projet et de la conception et fabrication du moteur à combustion interne MCI H2.
About Design Tech Centre
Design Tech Centre is a vehicle design and engineering agency specializing in aerodynamics, composites, and gearboxes.
Since 2003, DTC has supported clients in executing R&D and innovation projects, implementing new technologies.
In the EICHLAIR project, Design Tech Centre is responsible for designing and manufacturing hydrogen storage tanks and liaising with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).
About I-SEE
I-SEE airborne observatory I-SEE Airborne Observatory designs, develops, and manufactures long-endurance aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned (UAV), equipped with high-level technological and scientific sensors. Its developments focus on low-carbon technologies and embedded artificial intelligence. Within the EICHLAIR project, I-SEE is responsible for manufacturing and operating the aircraft used for program testing. It is tasked with developing technical solutions and integration methods for the H2 powertrain and liquid hydrogen tank, ensuring they do not impact the operational fundamentals of the aircraft.
Au sein du projet EICHLAIR, I-SEE est responsable de la fabrication et de l’exploitation de l’aéronef servant aux essais du programme. Elle a la charge de développer les solutions techniques et les méthodes d’intégration du groupe motopropulseur H2 ainsi que du réservoir à hydrogène liquide pour que ces derniers n’impactent pas les fondamentaux d’utilisation opérationnelle des aéronefs.
Presented in 2021 by the French President, France 2030 reflects the dual ambition of sustainably transforming key sectors of our economy, such as aerospace, and positioning France as a global leader for the future. An unprecedented program with €54 billion in investments by 2030, its goal is to enable winners to competitively address ecological and economic challenges, create future champions in our fields of excellence, and strengthen France’s sovereignty and independence. France 2030 serves as a major lever to decarbonize the aviation sector, and the EICHLAIR consortium is determined to play an active role in this effort.
Find Us Online:
https://www.ehp2.com/nouveautes/
https://www.design-tech-centre.com/
On Social Media: eHP² / I-SEE / Design Tech Centre
Press Contact: Orianne GUFFROY – Press Manager +33 (0)6 01 01 36 04 o.guffroy@ehp2.com
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