ZeroAvia today announced that it has been invited to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s extended and expanded Hydrogen Challenge programme.
Working with the CAA, ZeroAvia will explore the necessary safety and regulatory requirements for commercial adoption of hydrogen as it looks towards the certification of its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain for up to 20 seat aircraft. This work with the regulator includes exploring safe hydrogen fuel storage, distribution and refuelling practices at airfields and on aircraft. It complements ZeroAvia’s efforts to certify its first full hydrogen-electric engine – the ZA600 designed for up to 20 seat planes – with the CAA.
ZeroAvia’s participation in the first round of the Sandbox Challenge included investigating the development, design & testing of the ZA600, and furthering the operational understanding and safety requirements of hydrogen in aviation.
The next stage of the Hydrogen Challenge will see the development of new designs of cutting-edge aircraft that use hydrogen fuel cell power systems and remotely piloted systems to drive down carbon emissions. It will also examine changes to airport infrastructure, include new scientific research by some of Britain’s leading aeronautical institutes, and support flight trials, safety assessments, and demos.
Paul Harper, Director of Airworthiness and Certification, ZeroAvia said:
“Our experiences in the first round of the Hydrogen Challenge have been extremely positive. We are working diligently towards the certification of our first full hydrogen-electric powertrain the ZA600 with the CAA, and this programme will help us prepare the wider ecosystem for flying zero-emission using hydrogen.”
Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy and Policy, UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in hydrogen propulsion. We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector. In doing so, it offers the potential to enable a more sustainable aerospace system and support UK economic growth.”
