Electric Aviation Group is developing the world’s first large-scale, ‘true’ zero-emission, regional aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Jenny Southan reports
UK-based Electric Aviation Group (EAG) is workimg with aerospace engineering companu Atkins to accelerate the development of H2ERA, a zero-emission, regional aircraft fuelled by hybrid hydrogen-electric technology.
The partnership provides EAG with access to Atkins’ “extensive aerospace capabilities and resources as it progresses its proprietary hybrid electric and hydrogen technologies”.
On track for a 2030 launch, H2ERA is aiming to become the world’s first “true” zero-emission, mass transit regional aircraft with capacity for 90 passengers. Unlike biofuels, which still release greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen fuel cells emit no carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen oxide (NOx) at all.
The H2ERA plane will also be 50 per cent more profitable than equivalent sized turboprop aircraft, and 65 per cent quieter, making it more peaceful for passengers.
Kamran Iqbal, Founder and CEO of Electric Aviation Group, says: “EAG aims to be the market leader in developing disruptive sustainable technologies for the transportation industry with an acute focus on hydrogen powered aviation.
“Central to achieving this is teaming up with ‘best in class’ industrial and academic partners to co-develop the key building blocks to realise our goals.
“Our partnership with Atkins has secured a wealth of resources which will enable us to continue the development of our unique technology and deliver the world’s first true zero 90-seater hydrogen hybrid electric regional aircraft.”
Philip Hoare, president of Atkins, says: “This exciting partnership will combine our aerospace capabilities with EAG’s cutting-edge technologies.
“The development of a zero emission, large regional-scale aircraft is a crucial milestone on the path towards sustainable aviation and we are delighted to be supporting Electric Aviation Group as they commercialise their innovative solutions.”