ZeroAvia, a developer of low emission solutions for commercial aviation, announced yesterday the signing of a non-exclusive joint development agreement with Textron Aviation. Under the partnership, both companies will work on the development of a hydrogen-electric propulsion system for the Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.
The ZA600
ZeroAvia is currently developing a project to certify its 600-kilowatt ZA600 power plant. According to the company, it is designed to power aircraft with a capacity of between five and twenty passengers. It runs on stored hydrogen gas, which powers fuel cells. These, in turn, convert the hydrogen into electricity, generating power.
The characteristics of the Cessna Grand Caravan, manufactured by Textron Aviation, make it a good option for the installation of under-wing hydrogen fuel tanks without penalising seating capacity or cargo space, thanks to its high-wing design.
According to a press release from ZeroAvia, the company expects to continue to develop its propulsion system based on data, engineering and certification support provided by Textron Aviation. The company expects to obtaint the certification of the powerplant in 2025.
«The famous Cessna Grand Caravan is on track to be one of the first airframes operating commercial services, both cargo and passenger, with hydrogen-electric, zero-emission engines», noted Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia’s founder and CEO. «We applaud the visionary leadership of Textron Aviation in joining us to help transform a much-loved mainstay of sub-regional aviation into a symbol of sustainable transformation in aviation», he added.
The ZA2000
ZeroAvia is also currently working on the development of the ZA2000, a 2 to 5 megawatt powertrain. The project envisages its implementation in aircraft of between forty and eighty seats. The company expects to achieve its certification enter to the commercial market in 2027.
See also: Ravn Alaska orders 30 hydrogen-electric engines from ZeroAvia
