World-first flight test reveals how hydrogen engines form contrails

World-first flight test reveals how hydrogen engines form contrails

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Apr 15, 2025 In a groundbreaking campaign, researchers have captured the first-ever in-flight measurements of contrails produced by hydrogen-powered aircraft, marking a pivotal advancement in assessing the climate impact of next-generation aviation propulsion. The German Aerospace Center (DLR), in collaboration with Airbus and the Perlan Project, conducted the Blue Condor project in December 2024 over

Condensation strips are considered to be harmful to the climate. So far, no one knows what this is like for condensation strips from hydrogen engines. DLR has now measured on test flights with converted motor sails – in direct comparison with condensation strips from conventional kerosene combustion.

As part of the Blue Condor mission, researchers worldwide first measured condensation strips from a hydrogen-powered jet engine in flight. The aim is to better understand the climate effect of future low-emission aircraft. DLR first measured the climate effect of hydrogen condensation strips, first published on ingenieur.de - Jobbörse und Nachrichtenportal für Ingenieure.