Dutch fuel cell specialist zepp.solutions and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) have partnered to develop a liquid hydrogen fuel cell system aimed at achieving a manned flight by 2026. The collaboration centers on adapting the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an electric research aircraft, to operate using hydrogen power.
The project marks a key step in NLR’s Climate Neutral Aviation program, which seeks to advance sustainable aviation technologies. Zepp.solutions will design and integrate the hydrogen fuel cell system into the aircraft, with installation space allocated under the cockpit for the new system. The initiative is part of the Dutch government’s Aviation in Transition program, co-funded by the National Growth Fund.
The collaboration emphasizes practical advancements in hydrogen aviation, including addressing airworthiness and safety challenges. Arjen Kloosterman, NLR’s project manager, noted the importance of the project in gaining insights into integrating hydrogen components for manned aviation. “This trajectory up to the demo flight provides valuable knowledge and is a prelude to further hydrogen technology developments in aviation,” he said.
Zepp.solutions co-founder Jan Bot highlighted the unique challenges of aviation compared to other sectors. “Together with NLR, we aim to demonstrate hydrogen’s potential in aviation while gaining lessons that can benefit the entire sector,” Bot stated.
The project forms part of broader efforts to make aviation climate-neutral by 2050. The Climate Neutral Aviation program integrates cutting-edge research to achieve sustainable aviation, with the upcoming hydrogen-powered flight serving as a milestone in the initiative.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro will undergo modifications to house the hydrogen fuel cell system, with both partners committing to extensive testing to ensure the system’s viability and safety. The demo flight, slated for 2026, is expected to showcase the feasibility of hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel and pave the way for broader adoption in the sector.
See Also
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