# Rolls-Royce has patented a fuel system for a gas turbine engine configured to combust hydrogen fuel.

*business · news · 2026-04-09 · Simple Flying*

## Key points

- Rolls-Royce has patented a hydrogen gas turbine fuel system that pre-heats hydrogen for stable combustion.
- The new Rolls-Royce system uses an auxiliary combustor to heat hydrogen before it enters the main engine.
- Rolls-Royce aims to have hydrogen engines for small and mid-size aircraft by the mid-2030s.
- Airbus has delayed its ZEROe hydrogen aircraft program, pushing back its 2035 target by up to ten years.
- Most hydrogen used today is not carbon neutral, as it is produced from coal and gas, not renewables.

**Companies:** Rolls-Royce
**Countries:** UK, EU

[Read the full story on Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com/rolls-royce-patent-hydrogen-electric-engine-systems-explained/)

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