GKN Aerospace has announced the launch of the H2FlyGHT project, a propulsion system valued at £44 million. This collaboration will develop a 2-megawatt(MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system.
The H2FlyGHT project
Building on the success of the H2GEAR project, the H2FlyGHT project will implement thermal management technologies to optimize efficiency and performance. This project is designed to accelerate the flight test and certification process, meeting customer needs and industry standards. In addition, it will demonstrate a 2 MW integrated propulsion system that includes fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution and advanced cryogenic propulsion systems.
“The H2FlyGHT project represents an advancement in our mission to achieve the goal of zero net emissions in aviation. Building on H2GEAR innovations, we are expanding the propulsion system demonstration to 2 MW to maximize the payload and range potential of zero-emission flight. In collaboration with our partners, our goal is to accelerate the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry’s movement to commercialize sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s.”
GKN Aerospace chief technology officer Russ Dunn.
GKN Aerospace is collaborating with various industrial and academic partners to achieve the goals of H2FlyGHT. Parker Meggitt will be responsible for thermal management and “balance of plant” for the fuel cell system, ensuring optimal system integration and performance. The University of Manchester will focus on hyperconducting motor coil design, while the University of Nottingham will support full motor design and cryogenic inverter technology development.
GKN Aerospace technology
GKN Aerospace is leading the shift towards commercial hydrogen platforms, scheduled for launch in the mid-2030s. The company is actively involved in several major collaborative projects, including H2GEAR, HYFIVE and H2FlyGHT, with the aim of developing a comprehensive zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion system. These initiatives represent an investment of approximately £200 million in renewable technology.
“Hydrogen has enormous potential to drive the next generation of sustainable aircraft, and hydrogen fuel cells are a key part of ATI’s Destination Zero strategy and zero carbon roadmap. We are pleased to co-fund and support the H2FlyGHT project, led by GKN Aerospace, which builds on other projects in the ATI Program portfolio, such as HyFive and H2GEAR. H2FlyGHT will accelerate fuel cell technology to flight readiness and bring us one important step closer to realizing the vision of hydrogen-powered flight.”
Gary Elliott, The director of the Aerospace Technology Institute.
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Source and photo: GKN Aerospace