Activity in the H2ELIOS and NEWBORN projects, linked to the development of liquid hydrogen storage solutions for use in aviation, has progressed with a focus on the manufacturing phase of the demonstrators and the definition of the final testing phases. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2026.

In H2ELIOS, during this year the design of the liquid hydrogen storage system was closed and, as with the rest of the main elements, the outer tank was manufactured in composite material at Aciturri’s facilities. Likewise, the test protocols were defined, both for subcomponents and for the final element. In its role as project coordinator, Aciturri has been involved in all key phases, from the development of the test bench to the design and development of sensors and tank piping elements, ensuring the correct definition and validation of the system.

In NEWBORN, the delivery of a liquid hydrogen test tank to the consortium partners was completed, for integration with the hydrogen management systems which, in turn, supply it under the appropriate conditions to the fuel cell. Thanks to its experience in H2ELIOS and previous projects, Aciturri is coordinating the definition of the test of the liquid hydrogen supply subsystem, which will precede the test of the overall demonstrator of the NEWBORN project, led by Honeywell, which will demonstrate the feasibility of an electric and zero-emission propulsion system for use in aviation.

CRETAN proposes a highly innovative tank architecture concept with respect to the current state of the art, which entails a high level of complexity from the point of view of manufacturability. During this year, several completely tooling have been designed and manufactured, which are necessary to carry out the tape-laying processes required by the component, while keeping costs within acceptable ranges and guaranteeing the usual quality standards of Aciturri’s products.

In addition, manufacturability tests have been carried out with the aim of validating both the processes and the tooling, as a step prior to the manufacture of the first element intended for functional testing.

Thanks to the data obtained in these activities, it has been possible to pass the CDR of the LOX and kerosene bi-tank, validating the designs and structural calculations, optimizing the final weight of the tank and enabling progress in its manufacture for the subsequent verification of its structural behavior.

The project's success will enable the supply of the second-stage structure—complete with integrated fuel and oxidizer tanks—to various players in the space launch vehicle industry in the near future.