CAA announces first companies for Hydrogen Challenge
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has selected three companies to increase industry and regulatory readiness for the introduction of hydrogen fuel and new technologies.
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Exeter Airport Consortium…
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has selected three companies to increase industry and regulatory readiness for the introduction of hydrogen fuel and new technologies.
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Exeter Airport Consortium and ZeroAvia have all been selected by the regulator as part of its Hydrogen Challenge.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority launched its challenge in November 2023, with funding from the Regulator’s Pioneer Fund, to help leverage the potential of hydrogen as a zero-carbon emission aviation fuel.
One of the companies selected, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, is developing a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain to be applied to aircraft and aims to conduct ground testing and flight trials this year.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority will work with the organisation on identifying hazards, risks, and safety challenges associated with its project.
Reducing the environmental impact of aircraft turnarounds at Exeter Airport will be the focus of a study carried out by Regional & City Airports, TUI and Cranfield University.
The Exeter Airport Consortium will use the challenge to enable the consortium and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to review and provide regulatory feedback on safety cases, test plans, and risk assessments.
ZeroAvia, which is also developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell) engines for aviation and already flying a prototype system in a Dornier 228 testbed under a UK Civil Aviation Authority Permit to Fly, will work with the regulator to identify hazards, risks, and safety challenges associated with the retrofitting of a hydrogen-electric power train.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge is an example of how it is collaboratively working with industry to help shape the future of aviation. Introducing hydrogen propulsion is also key to achieving the UK Government’s Jet Zero Strategy.
Tim Johnson, Director of Strategy and Policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The Hydrogen Challenge is key to helping both the sector and UK Civil Aviation Authority to better understand emerging hydrogen technologies and the regulatory steps to progress towards entry into service.
“Working closely with the three selected companies will enable us to take a step closer towards a net-zero aviation sector by supporting the industry to explore how feasible the introduction of hydrogen is and how we can make sure regulation develops with the technology and is fit for purpose.”
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