Fuel cell pioneer Intelligent Energy (IE) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have signed a partnership which IE says “is bringing the promise of zero-emission hydrogen-powered flights in the UK a step closer.”
“The collaboration will play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of the first generation of fuel-cell-powered passenger aircraft that are predicted to take to the skies this decade,” said the company in a press release. “Loughborough (UK)-based Intelligent Energy…. made history in 2008 by partnering with Boeing to achieve the first manned flight powered by a fuel cell. Today, the company continues to push the boundaries of hydrogen aviation, with innovations including a proprietary water injection cooling system that delivers unrivalled power density.
“IE’s 300kW IE-FLIGHT™ 300 (F300) product, launched in July 2024, has been designed to meet the needs of the first commercial zero-emission aircraft. It will power the Part 23 aircraft (with up to 19 seats) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that are set to transform urban air mobility. First deliveries are planned for 2027.
“IE has been selected by the CAA to contribute to the second round of its UK Hydrogen Challenge, a pivotal initiative preparing the aerospace industry for the transition to hydrogen as a zero-carbon aviation fuel. IE’s primary role will be to advance the safety and certification standards for fuel cell-based propulsion systems, ensuring their compliance with aviation regulations and expediting their integration into commercial use.
The UK Hydrogen Challenge was launched in 2024, and trials in this second phase will run for three years.
For more information
https://www.intelligent-energy.com/news/intelligent-energy-safety-insight-paves-the-way-for-commercial-hydrogen-flights-this-decade/