
SOLENT BRANCH
Next Lecture
11th February 2025
Developing a Certifiable Liquid Hydrogen Airliner "Gondola“
Pragmatic Approach - Design, Innovation & Challenges

Speaker
Dr Raj K Nangia
BSc, PhD, CEng, AFAIAA, Hon. FRAeS
Consulting Engineer &
Honorary Research Fellow,
University of Bristol
Venue
Room 2005
Physics Building (46)
University of Southampton
18:15 - Doors open
18:30 - Lecture starts
Dr Raj Nangia, recently known for: Greener aviation via aircraft operations in Aviation, incorporating Air to Air Refuelling & Formation Flying & Alternative fuel Aircraft, will share the challenges and a potential solution for a LH2 powered commercial passenger aircraft.
Environmental considerations are focusing attention towards using LH2 for commercial aircraft. But LH2 has many engineering challenges to overcome over current aviation fuels. Aerodynamic design must be innovative, safe and certifiable. An LH2 fuel system must be segregated from the passengers – no obstruction of exits and compliant with emergency landing requirements. The airframe has to reasonably survive engine disc burst.
A “Gondola” concept offers an opportunity for a medium range (160-180 seat) LH2 design that will meet these challenges, featuring a twin-fuselage - one with passengers and the other with fuel tanks. This concept demonstrates clear crashworthiness, evacuation, fuel management, ground handling and other advantages.