Hydrogen Aircraft

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions’ ambition is to become an aircraft designer and manufacturer of zero emissions hydrogen aircraft.

Environmental impact of aviation

Aviation Emissions

1.9% of all greenhouse gas emissions

CO2 Emissions

2.5% of CO2 emissions

Radiative Forcing

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.

Why choose hydrogen aircraft for zero-emissions aviation

Zero CO2 Emissions

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

Easier & Cheaper

Gaseous hydrogen offers lower range potential than liquid but is easier and cheaper to make available in numerous small airfields by 2026.

1/10th Energy Density

Batteries have 1/10th energy density of conventional aviation fuel​.

More Beneficial Than Hybrid

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

Comparison of Sustainable Technology Solutions

Hydrogen is the best long term solution to decarbonise aviation.

Comparison of Sustainable Technology Solutions

Our Solution - Hydrogen Aircraft

Phase 1 - Prove

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.

9 Seat Britten Norman Islander

Conversion of 9-seat Britten- Norman Islander to hydrogen fuel cell propulsion

£7.1m Grant Funded

£7.1m grant-funded by Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) through to producing aircraft systems demonstrator in 2023.

Commercial by 2026

We aim to deliver a commercial product by 2026.

Aerospace Technology Institute
Britten-Norman Islander hydrogen plane

Hydrogen Aircraft Technology

Hydrogen Aircraft Technology hotspots

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)

Hydrogen Solutions Aircraft Aerospace

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

Range and emissions are key

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:

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

Hydrogen-Aircraft Timeline

Prove Icon
Retrofit hydrogen Britten-Norman Islander - disruptive technologies

01

Retrofit (BN Islander)

World’s first regulatory-certified, zero emissions commercial aircraft

2026 – 9 Passengers

Scale Icon
Future zero-emissions aircraft designs

02

Retrofit

Conversion of existing airframes to liquid H2 for extra performance

2028 – 10 to 19 Passengers

New hydrogen plane Designs - disruptive technologies

03

New Designs

New aircraft design, optimised for zero emissions

2032 – 20 to 50 Passengers

Exploit Icon
New hydrogen plane Designs - disruptive technologies

04

New Designs

New aircraft design, optimised for zero emissions

2035 + 50 to 100 Passengers

Invest in the future

Learn more about zero-emissions investment opportunities with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.

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