ZeroAvia and
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing a hydrogen-electric variant of the Airlander 10 aircraft. Airlander 10 is a new type of hybrid aircraft that combines aerostatic lift, aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust. It offers a payload of 10 tonnes and a maximum range of 4,000nm. The initial version will be powered by four diesel engines, delivering up to 90% lower emissions compared with aircraft of similar capacity. The integration of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system will enable fully zero-emission flight for more than 100 passengers, while also reducing maintenance costs.
ZeroAvia’s first-generation 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain, the ZA600, has already passed several regulatory milestones, secured hundreds of pre-orders and attracted launch customers among airlines seeking to embed the system into conventional fixed-wing aircraft for lower-cost, environmentally- friendly operations. The company has also conducted flight testing of a prototype on a 19-seater aircraft.
With ample space for hydrogen storage in the hull, Airlander is well suited to adopt first-generation certified hydrogen technologies that are close to market entry, including hydrogen storage, low-temperature PEM fuel cell power generation and advanced electric propulsion systems. The partnership builds on HAV’s earlier R&D work exploring electric propulsion for Airlander.
As part of the agreement, the companies will also examine the potential application of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric technology to future larger aircraft developed by HAV, and assess planned Airlander 10 operations to define hydrogen fuel infrastructure requirements.
HAV’s CEO Tom Grundy said: “ZeroAvia has led the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and made impressive progress commercially, technically and with regulators. Our intention has always been to offer our customers a fully zero-emission variant of the Airlander, for efficiency and environmental reasons, and this partnership with ZeroAvia will help us in this direction.”
Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, concluded: “Airlander is another exciting airframe for line-fit of our powertrains as it can open up a whole new market in air travel due to its range, efficiency and ability to operate from almost anywhere. Like ZeroAvia, HAV is an aerospace innovator with ambitious manufacturing and growth plans for the UK that can deliver hundreds of well-paid jobs in different regions of the UK. These are two businesses expanding UK footprints and manufacturing plans, with a broad array of strong use cases, including in the defence arena.”