ZeroAvia awarded grant for autonomous hydrogen-electric aircraft

AFWERX award aims to address research questions with specific implications for the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

ZeroAvia will analyse the potential for developing and delivering an 8000 lb autonomous aircraft with hydrogen-electric propulsion for reduced engine noise and low thermal signature, thus significantly reducing detectability. Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology for improving the range, duration, and turnaround time of a range of electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Hydrogen has additional advantages as an aviation fuel as it can be produced at the point of refuelling given a ready supply of electricity and water, which dramatically simplifies fuel logistics – a critical consideration for any defence applications. Finally, hydrogen has the highest energy per unit of weight of any chemical energy source, which allows for potential maximum range of almost 4000 km in an autonomous aircraft of this type.

Reliable Robotics – the California-based specialists in remote operation of aircraft – will support ZeroAvia in exploring relevant autonomous flight systems as part of the study.

ZeroAvia is advancing certification of a 600 kW hydrogen-electric powertrain – ZA600, which uses fuel cells to convert hydrogen fuel into electricity to power electric motors – with civil regulators. The planned first airframe is the Cessna Caravan, manufactured by Textron. The company has also announced a significant regulatory milestone after receiving an FAA G-1 issue paper for its 600 kW electric propulsion system.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/26032025/zeroavia-awarded-grant-for-autonomous-hydrogen-electric-aircraft/