Evaluations will take place at Munich site as firm eyes future collaboration with Airbus on the technology.
MTU Aero Engines has begun assembly of the first pre-production 350kW fuel cell stack as part of its Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) programme, the German propulsion firm says.
In addition, MTU has started building a full-system demonstrator at its Munich site to evaluate the interactions between all of the components and subsystems.
Runs of both demonstrators will take place later this year in two specially constructed test cells that are currently in the process of being commissioned.
The activity follows the recent successful validation of the air and fuel supply systems, which will now be integrated into the demonstrators.
Separately, MTU has finalised the design of the system it is developing through the EU Clean Aviation-funded HEROPS project.
Running until the end of 2026, the project will contribute to maturing key technologies for the FFC programme and is eyeing service entry around 2035.
At its heart is a 600kW core system scaled to produce 1.8MW, which is being developed and simulated at MTU’s Munich site.
“It will prove the feasibility of the groundbreaking new technologies and demonstrate that they can be scaled to outputs between two and four megawatts, based on a modular engine architecture,” says MTU.
MTU recently signed an agreement with Airbus to establish a joint venture – expected to start operations in January next year – focused on the development and commercialisation of a fuel cell powertrain.
Discussions continue between the two parties on the make-up of the business, including its leadership, name and headquarters location.
Meanwhile, MTU has renewed its innovation partnership agreement with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency as the pair seek to define the certification roadmap for fuel cell systems.
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