Partners including materials specialist Syensqo, Airbus, Daher, Capgemini, and Ariane Group, have started work on the construction of the Climate Impulse aircraft Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard intends to fly non-stop around the globe in 2028. The aircraft, which is to be assembled in France by composite engineer and navigator Raphaël Dinelli, is being developed to run entirely on green hydrogen fuel as part of Piccard’s efforts to promote the need for action against climate change.
The Climate Impulse team aims to be ready to start testing the tri-hull aircraft in 2026. Its powertrain will use fuel cells to generate electricity. One of the main challenges is to safely store the liquid hydrogen at temperatures as low as minus 253 degrees Celsius for the duration of the nine-day voyage. Dinelli will accompany Piccard on the flight.
Aircraft demonstrator specialist 49Sud is the project’s overall technical supervisor, and it is largely handling the development of the hydrogen propulsion system. Airbus and Daher are contributing expertise in aerodynamics and structural issues, while Safran is to provide electric motors, and Ariane the cryogenic fuel tanks. Dassault Systems is providing digital twin and other technical software for the engineering team.
In 2015, Piccard and colleagues flew the Solar Impulse 2 aircraft around the world with all power sourced from the sun’s rays. His Solar Impulse Foundation is committed to projects supporting both environmental benefit and economic viability.
“In this world full of eco anxiety, we need to restore hope and stimulate action by demonstrating disruptive solutions that lead to sustainable progress,” Piccard commented. “Efficient solutions will unite people from citizens and environmental activists to political and business leaders, shifting the narrative from sacrifice and fear to enthusiasm and action.”
