Cranfield Aerospace Solutions’ Post

Airbus Tests Hydrogen-Fueled Glider in Blue Condor Campaign. Image: Blue Condor A800-H2 turbojet Credit: Guy Norris/AWST Airbus has initiated its Blue Condor flight test campaign to study hydrogen's impact on contrail formation. The project uses the Arcus-J, a modified glider powered by a hydrogen-fueled turbojet, to explore how hydrogen propulsion can reduce aviation emissions and environmental impact. As part of Airbus' broader mission to achieve zero-emission aviation by 2035, the campaign focuses on the relationship between hydrogen-powered flight and contrail formation, aiming to inform future aircraft designs and sustainability strategies. https://lnkd.in/dK-6wXti

MEET THE FOKKERS It’s almost three decades since Fokker, the Netherlands-based airframer, produced a plane. Now its successor, Fokker Next Gen, is promising an all-new hydrogen model, so the timing is perfect to recall the brand for those who'd forgotten, or introduce it to the next gen. It was founded in Germany in 1912 by Dutch aviator Anthony Fokker, who moved back to the Netherlands to churn out civil and military craft for decades to come. There were plenty, too many to list. Way down the track, in 1955, it first flew its famous F27 ‘Friendship’ turboprop, followed in later years by its successor, the F50, and three regional jets, the F28 ‘Fellowship’, the 100-seat F100, and the F70. The last plane the company produced was an F100 in 1996. Fokker Next Gen plans to build its new model in the Netherlands and Latvia for entry into service in 2035. It will convert an F100 to a testbed, due to fly in 2028. Fokker fleets remain very active today, with Australia’s Alliance Airlines the world’s biggest operator with a mix of F70s and F100s. For what it’s worth, my first flight was on a TAA F27 from Devonport, in Australia’s island state of Tasmania, to Melbourne. That’s a retro promotional poster of one in the title picture of my LI page, though my flight wasn’t nearly as pretty. I was 12. The late night flight was unforgettably rough. And I’ve never been so sick. I’d say Fokkered. Anyway, here’s the plan for the new jet. #sustainableaviation #hydrogenpropulsion #sustainableaviationfuel #decarbonisation #netzero2050 #fokkernextgen #allianceairlines #fokkeraircraft #greenairnews

Super interesting article on how to decarbonize aviation. Key points: ✈ Fuel efficiency is necessary, but not sufficient 🌳 SAF needs to scale exponentially if we aren't committed to alternative propulsion ⚡ If we want to see hydrogen or electric aviation by 2050, we need to invest now AND promote faster development cycles and alternative business models to make these profitable and bring them to market in the time needed Favorite quote "Lack of action on the above becomes a decision. In 2050, civil aviation CO2 emissions are approximately two billion tons. A US$200 per ton carbon price (in real dollars) weighs on the industry in the form of US$400 billion annually." #decarbonization #SAF #aviation #netzero #electrify #carbon #climateaction #climate #climatechange #manufacturing

Horizon Aircraft “Secures USD8.4 Million Investment.” Canada-based Horizon Aircraft, a leading hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft developer, recently announced it has secured a USD8.4 million funding from an investor, reports a press release. This latest financing “will strengthen Horizon’s balance sheet, provide stability in the operations, governance and regulatory priorities, as well as fund further development and flight testing of its Cavorite X7 aircraft,” explains the release. Brandon Robinson, co-Founder and CEO of Horizon, commented, “We are deeply appreciative for this second investment from our strategic partner. The principle’s continued support through this second tranche of funding provides our business with a solid working capital position in support of our initiatives.” He added, “With this commitment Horizon Aircraft is on solid footing, and our focus is on the development of our full-scale hybrid eVTOL.” https://lnkd.in/erHMu8eB #HorizonAircraft #HybridElectric #VTOL #AviationInvestment #CavoriteX7 #ElectricAircraft #AerospaceInnovation #SustainableAviation

Four prototypes of zero-emission aircraft and powertrains are being readied for test flights in Australia and New Zealand during 2025 as both markets accelerate efforts to decarbonise their aviation sectors, starting with short-distance routes, reports Tony Harrington for GreenAir News. In April, Air New Zealand will start testing a battery-electric Alia CX300, built by US-based BETA TECHNOLOGIES, before introducing the type for regional freight flights in 2026. In Australia, Brisbane-based Stralis Aircraft (YC W23) will perform the first flight of its locally developed hydrogen-electric powertrain, Sydney’s AMSL Aero will fly its new Vertiia VTOL, also with hydrogen-electric power, and Melbourne-based Dovetail Electric Aviation will convert a Cessna Caravan to battery-electric propulsion. All four programmes coincide with a recent reshaping of the global market for new zero-emission aircraft and propulsion systems, with a range of projects progressing while others have restructured, rescheduled or failed. #sustainableaviation #electricaviation https://lnkd.in/ekBQGtBP

Dovetail has recently been featured in an Aviation Week Network article by Ben Goldstein. We are making significant strides in sustainable aviation technology. Key highlights: - Ground Testing Begins in June: We expect to begin ground testing a new iteration of our integrated hydrogen fuel cell powerplant as early as June, marking a critical step toward certifying the system as a retrofit for the Beechcraft King Air. - Innovative Hybrid System: Our hybrid powerplant combines a hydrogen fuel cell with a 250-kW electric motor, power electronics, and controls, significantly enhancing flight power capabilities. - First Flight by Late 2025: The first flight of our hybrid aircraft could take place as soon as late 2025, highlighting the rapid progress we are making in developing this technology. - Battery-Electric Propulsion Advancements: Alongside our hydrogen efforts, we are also advancing our battery-electric propulsion system for the Cessna Caravan. We expect a prototype of a full-size battery module within the next two months, which is crucial for achieving our first flight early next year. - Future Vision: Our long-term vision includes flying up to 200 km with battery power alone. However, we believe the true industry revolution will come from our hybrid approach, particularly using hydrogen fuel cells for extended range and efficiency. We aim to have our battery-powered Caravan certified and in service by 2026, with the hybrid King Air expected to follow. These advancements not only highlight our innovative approach but also underscore the potential for significant environmental benefits in aviation. For more details, check out the full article of Aviation Week here: https://lnkd.in/dGY_mg6C. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to lead the charge in hybrid and electric aviation technology! This is the way! #Aviation #SustainableAviation #HybridAircraft #HydrogenFuelCell #ElectricAviation #Innovation #DovetailElectricAviation

German regional airline start-up Evia Aero has agreed to buy 15 new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft that it intends to convert to run on hydrogen power. Under a letter of intent signed in early January, the nine-passenger twin turboprop aircraft are due to be delivered in 2027 and will then by converted using the fuel cell-based powertrain being developed in the UK by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q032tFQJ0

This formula represents a 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, developed by Hans Schwoeller and me. The concept has been drafted, and only a select few have had the opportunity to preview it. The key elements are as follows: 𝗵𝗲 - A hybrid redundant powerplant, combining electric and internal combustion engines fueled by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (gasoline or kerosene) 𝗫 - Operational versatility—supporting (C)onventional, (S)hort, and (V)ertical takeoff and landing capabilities. 𝗧𝗢𝗟 - Efficient takeoff and landing adaptability. We are fast-tracking projects like Joby Aviation, Lilium, Archer, BETA TECHNOLOGIES, EHang (NASDAQ: EH), Vertical Aerospace, Volocopter, Wisk, Eve Air Mobility to bring this concept to the forefront, with initial seeding in the U.S. scheduled for this month. We invite you to join us in this venture as C-level manager, a project leader, an early-stage investor, or a customer. Register your interest here>>> https://lnkd.in/duN_Hf-c #business #investment #management #usa #evtol #estol #ectol #aircraft #design #aviation #avgeek

I am curious to learn more about this very interresting project.