During its first 18 months, GOLIAT has successfully moved from conceptualization to detailed engineering, regulations and an economics study of LH2 aviation, particularly ground operations and refuelling.
Refuelling hardware development (WP2, WP3): Significant engineering progress was made in defining the physical refuelling systems.
● Ground-Based Refueller: The team finalised a dual-trailer design concept. The first trailer will house the LH2 tank and cryogenic pump, while a second ‘techno-trailer’ will carry the hose handling and auxiliary equipment. Chart Ferox has filed a patent application for this specific loading assembly. A major technical hurdle was resolved regarding the high-flow pump design. A pump has been defined and selected to ensure performance testing and safety, with the target to achieve a flow rate of 5 to 7.2 tons/hour to meet the Turn-Around-Time objectives. This pump will be built with third parties in 2026.
● Aircraft-based refuel system: A LH2 storage and distribution system is being developed, based on an already existing concept, that will be upgraded and adapted for GOLIAT testing. This system includes a 400 kg capacity tank -functionally representative of a future product aircraft- as well as an advanced refuel coupling for aircraft.
Operational Demonstrations (WP5): Preparations are ongoing for ground operations demonstrations at Stuttgart, Rotterdam The Hague and Lyon Saint-Exupéry airports.
● The project delivered the Feasibility Study for LH2 aircraft ground operations (D5.1) which outlines infrastructure needs and safety frameworks.
● Site preparation: Detailed layout planning for the first demonstration at Stuttgart is complete and H2FLy's HY4 aircraft is undergoing final verification.
Standardisation & Economics (WP6, WP7, WP8): The project started an analysis of the required regulatory framework and economic assessment.
● Certification: A specification for “LH2 Refueller Compatibility with Airports” (D6.1) is on-going and a subcontractor was selected to map applicable EU laws and conformity requirements.
● Techno-Economic Modelling: Five core scenarios were defined for the hydrogen value chain. These scenarios were published in D8.1 and will guide future demand modelling.
● Infrastructure: A comprehensive methodology was established to assess the impact of hydrogen aircraft on airport operations, specifically focusing on refuelling steps and turnaround processes.
