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ZeroAvia has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by AFWERX to study the feasibility of integrating hydrogen propulsion into Cessna Caravan aircraft alongside advanced automation technology. AFWERX grants are intended to support research addressing key challenges for...
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ZeroAvia has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by AFWERX to study the feasibility of integrating hydrogen propulsion into Cessna Caravan aircraft alongside advanced automation technology. AFWERX grants are intended to support research addressing key challenges for the US Department of the Air Force (DAF).
As part of the study, ZeroAvia will assess the potential for an 8,000 lb autonomous aircraft powered by a hydrogen-electric propulsion system. The focus will be on reducing engine noise and thermal signature, which could lower detectability. Hydrogen fuel cells are considered a promising option for extending the range, endurance, and turnaround time of electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Hydrogen offers logistical advantages as an aviation fuel, as it can be produced at the point of refuelling using electricity and water. This could simplify fuel supply chains, which is a key consideration for defence applications. Additionally, hydrogen has the highest energy density by weight among chemical energy sources, with the potential to enable a range of over 2,000 nautical miles (approximately 4,000 km) in such an autonomous aircraft.
Reliable Robotics, a California-based company specialising in remote aircraft operation, will support ZeroAvia in exploring the use of autonomous flight systems as part of the study.
The DAF introduced the Open Topic SBIR/STTR programme in 2018 to expand the scope of funded innovations. The study will examine how autonomy and hydrogen fuel cell technologies can be integrated and their potential operational impacts.
ZeroAvia is also progressing with the certification of its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, a 600kW system that uses fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity for electric motors. The company aims to use the Cessna Caravan, manufactured by Textron, as the initial aircraft for this powertrain. It recently reached a regulatory milestone by securing an FAA G-1 issue paper for its 600kW electric propulsion system.
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