Image: ZeroAvia
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...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
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.
Indra has equipped the first Spanish Air and Space Force Airbus A400M with its InShield Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system,…
UK-based defence technology company Rotron has entered into a strategic agreement to be acquired by Ondas Inc. The transaction is…
Hensoldt and Helsing have entered a strategic partnership to advance modern European defence technologies. The collaboration focuses on a sovereign…
Tokyo has strengthened Manila’s maritime monitoring in the South China Sea by turning over five coastal radar systems under Japan’s…
The conclusion of Bangladesh’s landmark general election on 12 February 2026 marks a decisive turning point in the strategic architecture…
The global aerospace and space community converged on the Changi Exhibition Centre and Marina Bay Sands this February for a…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has reportedly commenced flight operations of its newly acquired Turkish Aerospace (TAI) Anka-S Medium…
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has successfully executed a high-profile live-firing exercise of its Aster 30 medium-range surface-to-air…
The strategic landscape of the Middle East is undergoing a rapid and high-stakes transformation as the United States and its…
The Thai general election held on 8 February 2026 has delivered a decisive victory for the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, led…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) passed a new milestone this month, successfully integrating 3rd-party mission autonomy into the YFQ-42A…
India has formally cleared the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), a decision that…
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) successfully conducted landing trials for F-16 and Super Tucano combat aircraft on the Terbanggi…
Air Canada has announced a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, a move intended to modernise its long-haul fleet…
KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321), the Indonesian Navy’s newest multipurpose combat ship (PPA), officially departed from Base Navale Della Spezia in…
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) aims to take delivery of its first aircraft carrier, the Italian-built Giuseppe Garibaldi, before the…
The Philippine Air Force defended the series of air drills over the Luzon airspace last week, saying it is not…
ELT Group and D-Orbit have signed a strategic cooperation framework aimed at expanding collaboration in the space sector, with activities…
Indian defence manufacturer MKU Limited and Saudi Arabia’s Sondos Advanced Industry have formally announced the formation of a joint venture…
Manila is not closing its doors on the plan of acquiring 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets from the United…
The tenth milestone edition of the Singapore Airshow, held from 3 to 6 February 2026, served as a definitive declaration…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has achieved a pivotal milestone in its long-standing fleet modernisation programme with the official naming…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been competitively selected by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) for evaluation in the…
The regional security architecture of the Asia-Pacific has undergone a tectonic shift following the historic landslide victory of Prime Minister…
Embraer recently concluded another executive-level visit to India as it continues expanding and strengthening its supply chain in the country.…
Lockheed Martin has introduced the Lamprey Multi‑Mission Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (LampreyMMAUV), a modular submersible developed for the United States and…
EgyptAir has formalised its fleet modernisation programme by taking delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, marking the type's debut with…
As the Indo-Pacific continues to navigate a complex security landscape defined by rapid technological shifts and intensifying regional rivalries, the…
The Amman-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) powerhouse Joramco has asserted its dominance in the international aerospace sector by securing…
The landscape of Southeast Asian defence manufacturing has reached a significant milestone as Malaysia’s first high-automation ammunition production facility, operated…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2026 GBP all rights reserved.