1.9% of all greenhouse gas emissions
2.5% of CO2 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.
Hydrogen has 3 x the energy density of conventional aviation fuel and produces zero CO2 emissions – the most credible solution for aviation.
Gaseous hydrogen offers lower range potential than liquid but is easier and cheaper to make available in numerous small airfields by 2026.
Batteries have 1/10th energy density of conventional aviation fuel.
Hybrid-Electric solutions can be beneficial in cars, but the added weight means their adoption in aircraft results in minimal CO2 benefit.
Hydrogen is the best long term solution to decarbonise aviation.
Phase 1 of our roadmap is “Project Fresson” – the conversion of a Britten-Norman Islander 9-seat aircraft from conventional fossil fuel to that of gaseous hydrogen propulsion.
This development is set to deliver the world’s first fully certified, truly green, passenger-carrying aircraft using hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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.
We aim to deliver a commercial product by 2026.
Hydrogen Fuel Tanks: 700 bar gaseous
Hydrogen Fuel Distribution System: pipework & devices to distribute hydrogen fuel from tank to fuel cell
Propellors: conventional, 3-blade, variable pitch, max RPM 2300
240kW hydrogen fuel cell system in each nacelle, including fuel cell stacks, balance of plant and control unit
Human Machine Interface: modified controls & displays in the cockpit
Thermal Management System: one per nacelle; advanced heat exchanger, providing integrated liquid cooling for HFCS, EPU & PDS
220kW electric propulsion units in each nacelle; motor + inverter-controllers
PDS (Power Distribution System)
220kW electric propulsion units in each nacelle; motor + inverter-controllers
PDS (Power Distribution System)
Thermal Management System: one per nacelle; advanced heat exchanger, providing integrated liquid cooling for HFCS, EPU & PDS
Human Machine Interface: modified controls & displays in the cockpit
Propellors: conventional, 3-blade, variable pitch, max RPM 2300
240kW hydrogen fuel cell system in each nacelle, including fuel cell stacks, balance of plant and control unit
Hydrogen Fuel Tanks: 700 bar gaseous
Hydrogen Fuel Distribution System: pipework & devices to distribute hydrogen fuel from tank to fuel cell
It is imperative to decarbonise aviation cost-effectively. CAeS strongly believe that hydrogen fuel cell systems offer key commercial benefits over the alternatives.
Hydrogen fuel cell systems offer:
World’s first regulatory-certified, zero emissions commercial aircraft
2026 – 9 Passengers
Conversion of existing airframes to liquid H2 for extra performance
2028 – 10 to 19 Passengers
New aircraft design, optimised for zero emissions
2032 – 20 to 50 Passengers
New aircraft design, optimised for zero emissions
2035 + 50 to 100 Passengers
Learn more about zero-emissions investment opportunities with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
