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Project Fresson

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions are providing an opportunity to lead the design and manufacture of new-build, 19-seater and
75-seater green aircraft.

Hydrogen Future Vision 9 Seater
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Phase 1

Underway

  • Conversion of 9-seat Britten- Norman Islander to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion
  • £7.1m grant-funded by Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) through to producing aircraft systems demonstrator in 2023
  • Commercial product by 2025
Hydrogen Future Vision 19 Seater
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Phase 3

Commences 2023

  • Design and production of new, 19-seat aircraft optimised for hydrogen-electric propulsion
  • In collaboration with other global aerospace partners
  • HFCS vs H2 Combustion
Hydrogen Future Vision 19 Seater
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Phase 2

Commences 2022

  • Conversion of 19-seat aircraft to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion (1 MW system)
  • Main airframe candidates are Cessna 208 and DHC Twin Otter
  • Likely to require use of liquid, rather than gaseous, hydrogen
2021
2022
2023
2029
Hydrogen Future Vision 19 Seater
Cloud Background

Phase 2

Commences 2022

  • Conversion of 19-seat aircraft to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion (1 MW system)
  • Main airframe candidates are Cessna 208 and DHC Twin Otter
  • Likely to require use of liquid, rather than gaseous, hydrogen
Hydrogen Future Vision 19 Seater
Cloud Background

Phase 3

Commences 2023

  • Design and production of new, 19-seat aircraft optimised for hydrogen-electric propulsion
  • In collaboration with other global aerospace partners
  • HFCS vs H2 Combustion
Hydrogen Future Vision 75 Seater
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Phase 4

Commences 2029

  • Design and production of new 75-seater aircraft optimised for hydrogen-electric propulsion
  • In collaboration with other global aerospace partners
  • HFCS vs H2 Combustion

Agile & Entepreneurial

CAeS is an agile and entrepreneurial company with whole aircraft concept design and UK CAA aircraft. We are a Design Organisation (DOA) and aircraft Production Organisation (POA) with capability/approvals. We are based on Cranfield (commercial & research) Airport with direct access to Cranfield University research capabilities & facilities.

Our Company

Senior Management Team

CAeS has undertaken detailed engineering evaluations of competing zero-carbon solutions

Battery-only electric propulsion is zero-emission but very limited in range due to regulatory reserve requirement.

Battery-turbogenerator hybrid provides adequate range but emits CO2 for the majority of flight (after 10 minutes).

Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion allows adequate range (including regulatory reserve) with zero emissions.

Zero Emissions

Global aviations accounts for

1.9% of all greenhouse gas emissions

2.5% of C02 emissions

3.5% of 'effective radiative forcing' - a better measure

If aviation does nothing, it is forecast that the industry will represent 24% of global carbon emissions by 2050.
Industry is now committing to decarbonisation.

Range and emissions are key

It is imperative to decarbonise aviation cost-effectively. CAeS strongly believe that H2 fuel cell
systems offer key commercial benefits over the alternatives.

H2 fuel cell systems offer:

  • zero-carbon solution
  • acceptable aircraft range and payload
  • simpler power management architecture
  • reduced maintenance
  • potential for lower lifetime
  • costs than Avgas/Avtur

Our H2 fuel cell system offers zero emissions for the entire duration of the flight and provides a much larger range compared to alternatives.

Range information:

  • 1-hour flight range is sufficient for most sub-regional airline
    requirements
  • Regulatory requirement for extra ~45-minute flight capability
    as safety reserve
  • Propulsion system must deliver both range and zero emissions
Project Fresson Cranfield Aerospace Range

Technology

Fresson hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system:

Hydrogen Future Vision 9 Seater

Hydrogen fuel cell system

Development of an integrated, high-power energy conversion system, specifically suited to safe aerospace applications.

240kW hydrogen fuel cell system in each nacelle, including fuel cell stacks, thermal management and
control systems.

Aircraft leave systems integration

Integration and installation of complex systems (motors, power electronics, energy storage) in a compact airframe (cabling, mounting, thermal management).

Hydrogen Future Vision 9 Seater

Electric motors

Development of an integrated, high-power energy conversion system, specifically suited to safe aerospace applications.

220kW electric motor in each nacelle driving a conventional propeller.

Power distribution electronics

Power distribution electronics to route electric power between the fuel cells, electric motors and aircraft systems.

Hydrogen Future Vision 9 Seater

Cockpit interface

New cockpit interface for thrust management (inceptors, instruments and annunciators).

Flight endurance

Flight endurance 60mins +45mins reserve.

Invest in the future

If you are interested in learning more about CAeS, please click on the contact us button provided below. Thank you.

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