HEROPS

Hydrogen-Electric Zero Emission Propulsion System

HEROPS aims to introduce climate-neutral propulsion into regional aircraft by developing MTU’s Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) propulsion system concept for entry into service in 2035. This disruptive, hydrogen-electric propulsion system uses fuel cells as sole power source and a liquid hydrogen fuel system, without the need for high-power batteries. Integration of both the fuel cell system and the electric propulsion unit into a compact engine nacelle will ensure an efficient system at high power-to-weight ratio.
HEROPS targets to demonstrate a 1.2 MW propulsion system based on a scalable 600 kW core module at TRL 4. The core module and all further subsystems will be validated up to TRL 5. Complemented by simulation and electrical network testing of the overall modularised system, scalability to the 2–4 MW power level will be confirmed. The certification programme will build upon ongoing certification activities, enabling timely maturation of the aviation-native HEROPS technology against relevant certification requirements.
The two-phase approach of the overall programme – including extensive development, test, and validation cycles at each stage – is expected to advance the FFC concept to TRL 6 for integration and demonstration on a regional aircraft by 2028. It will pave the way for commercial prototyping and entry into service by 2035, delivering a key propulsion technology to reach the European Green Deal’s objective of climate-neutral aviation by 2050 with 100% prevention of CO₂ and NOx emissions and up to 80% reduction of the climate impact from contrails and contrail cirrus.
The HEROPS project will meet this challenge with a European consortium of aircraft propulsion system integrators, electrical system experts, key Tier 1 suppliers, and leading researchers in stack technology, mechanics, and propulsion, leveraging relevant and effective synergies between European and national programmes.