Zero emission aircraft flight tests set for Orkney
Government funding worth £5.3mn has been awarded to the HyFlyer project to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology for aviation.
The project aims to decarbonise small passenger aircraft by demonstrating powertrain technology to replace conventional piston engines in propeller aircraft. The conventional powertrain in the aircraft will be replaced with electric motors, hydrogen fuel cells and gas storage.
Led by ZeroAvia, developers of hydrogen fuel cell powertrain solutions, HyFlyer will demonstrate a phased approach from battery power to hydrogen power, integrating the new technology aboard a Piper M-class six-seater aircraft, which will perform test flights from Cranfield and Orkney.
Project partners Intelligent Energy will optimise its high power fuel cell technology, while EMEC Hydrogen will supply the hydrogen required for flight tests and develop a mobile refuelling platform compatible with the plane. ZeroAvia has already demonstrated its technology in flight tests in the US.
The project will culminate in a 250–300 nautical mile demonstration flight out from an airfield based in Orkney.
Photo: ZeroAvia
