Blue Condor mission explores hydrogen-powered flights and climate impact of contrails
MINDEN, Nev. - Formed in the upper troposphere when the air is sufficiently cold and humid, condensation trails (known as contrails) may be one of the most significant contributors to aviation's climate impact. Future technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft promise not only a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions but also a reduction in the climate impact of these human-made clouds. Until now, however, no in-flight measurements have been carried out to characterise the formation, properties, and effects of contrails from direct hydrogen combustion. In the Blue Condor project, Airbus, the Perlan team, and the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) have, for the first time worldwide, measured contrails of a hydrogen turbojet engine in flight. The three-week flight test campaign took place in December 2024 in Minden, Nevada (USA), and used a chase plane equipped by DLR with autonomously operated instruments for measuring contrails and emissions.
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15 April 2025 - "These world-first measurements of condensation trails from a hydrogen-powered aircraft are a major milestone in our quest to gain a complete understanding of the climate compatibility of hydrogen propulsion in aviation," says Markus Fischer, DLR's Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics. "We developed the initial conceptual ideas and theoretical foundations for such an experiment a few years ago in a DLR-funded junior research group. This is just one example of how DLR is laying the groundwork for climate-compatible flight – strengthening the economy and preparing society for the future. We’re very pleased that, in collaboration with Airbus and the Perlan team, we have now successfully conducted this technically challenging flight experiment."
The Blue Condor mission used a modified Arcus glider powered by a hydrogen turbojet engine developed by AeroDesignWorks and RWTH Aachen University. Flown by pilot Jim Payne, it flew alongside a conventional kerosene-powered Arcus, both towed to over 9 km altitude by a Grob Egrett aircraft. Once released, the Blue Condor ignited its hydrogen engine, allowing the Egrett to measure emissions and contrail formation, with both gliders flown in identical conditions for comparison. Of seven flights, four produced hydrogen contrails. The study focused on measuring ice crystal properties, nitrogen oxides, and aerosol particles to assess hydrogen's climate impact. Data will be published.
The Egrett research aircraft carried specialized instruments from DLR’s Institute of Atmospheric Physics to measure ice crystals, aerosols, and trace gases like CO₂, NOx, and water vapor. Sensors were mounted on a mast above the aircraft to avoid contamination from its own exhaust. Additional modifications included a fuselage extension for a NOx sensor and sensors on the landing gear. Data was transmitted via satellite and guided by radio. The project supports climate modeling and was a Collier Trophy finalist.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
