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Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is charting the flightpath to cleaner skies by delivering zero emissions aircraft and propulsion technology.

Prove

Cranfield Aerospace hydrogen propulsion technology

Adapt

cargo drone technology

Optimise

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The Decarbonisation Challenge

For several decades, the aviation industry has been successful in continuously increasing the efficiency of its engines and airframes, resulting in a reduction in emissions per passenger over time.

However, a continuous increase in passenger demand means the increase in overall emissions has outstripped any efficiency gains.

-20%
(CO2 emissions per passenger reduced by 20% since 1990)
+25%
(total CO2 emissions have increased by 25% since 1990 due to increased passenger demand)
Desktop graph
Mobile graph

Source Sustainability by Numbers: Aviation Climate Part One

We need to do something radically different.

We need to stop emitting CO2 from aircraft completely

This requires a revolution (not evolution) of propulsion & aircraft technology

The Zero Emissions Aviation Age is upon us

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is at the forefront of the transformation.

The Importance of Starting Small

Every leap in aviation technology to date has started with small aircraft. 

The beginning of the Zero Emissions Age will be no different.

Correct propulsion system render 2

Hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains

These will come to market first in applications using small aircraft
(6-19 seats), powered by hydrogen stored as a gas.

hydrogen powered zero emissions aircraft

Market penetration

Aircraft using gaseous hydrogen can enter the market sooner, laying the foundation for future developments.

Gaseous hydrogen is an ideal entry level fuel

experienced-technician

Simpler to handle than liquid

Career Benefit Flexi

Easier to move around & produce

Career Benefit Shares

Mature technology & already widely used across industrial applications

Small zero emissions aircraft are more than just a technology step

Short hop, sub-regional air services have suffered in
recent years from the economics of kerosene and the
progression to ever larger aircraft to bring the cost per
passenger down.

Zero emissions technology can significantly reduce
the operating costs of 6-19 seat aircraft, ensuring
much needed regional connectivity that is profitable
but mitigates environmental impact.

Why Hydrogen?

Zero CO2 Emissions

 

Hydrogen has 3X the energy density of conventional aviation fuel and produces zero CO2 emissions the most credible solution for aviation.

30 X energy density of batteries

Batteries have 1/30th of the energy density of hydrogen. Battery solutions therefore come with significant weight penalties, limiting payload and range to levels that struggle to deliver a commercially viable solution.

More Beneficial than Hybrid

Hybrid-Electric solutions can be beneficial in cars, but the added weight and complexity means their adoption in aircraft results in minimal CO2 benefit.

Comparison of Sustainable Technology Solutions

Group 53