Airbus is presenting its fuel cell technologies used on board aeroplanes at the International Berlin Airshow (IBA).

The technologies are being implanted on the A320 research aircraft at the show and Airbus believes that fuel cells could be significant in reducing the emissions and fuel consumption of the aircraft industry.

Before taking the trip to Berlin, the demonstrator craft took a flight in a testing area in France.

The flight allowed Airbus to test the fuel cell power system used in the electric motor pump.

A crucial piece of equipment, the pump is connected to the blue hydraulic circle and moves the aircraft's ailerons, rudder and other flight controls.

The fuel cell system is able to deliver instant full electrical power in low operating temperatures and is more robust than current technologies.

Airbus said that A320 Fuel Cell Demonstrator will be part of its static display at the IBA this week.

Source:

Airbus first public presentation of A320 fuel cell demonstrator at Berlin Airshow, 26/05/08

http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/pressreleases/pressreleases_items/08_05_26_a320_fuel_cell.html