The global aviation industry has committed to reduce global net aviation carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2050, with the European Commission pursuing a more ambitious goal of a 75% reduction in CO² emissions per passenger kilometre. Alternative fuels, such as hydrogen (H₂), are seen as playing a central role in a zero-emission future for aviation, but the level of penetration for H₂ will depend heavily on scientific and technological breakthroughs to overcome the significant challenges posed by H₂ powered aircraft. The safe and efficient storage of H₂ on-board future aircraft will be one of the most complex aerospace engineering challenges that the industry has ever faced.

Improvements to existing state-of-the-art solutions includes a better utilization of the available space for fuel storage, adequate insulation techniques to minimize heat leak, continued safe operations, and a weight reduction through low-weight materials, such as thermoset or thermoplastic composites, all while addressing those materials’ inherent challenges (permeability, microcracking, thermal fatigue).

COCOLIH₂T consortium, led by Collins Aerospace, is proposing a disruptive concept focused to reduce the impact of the tank’s weight and volume within an aircraft, while ensuring safe system functionality.