Beyond Aero Unveils BYA-1 Hydrogen-Electric Light Jet with Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
Key Ideas
- Beyond Aero introduces the refined BYA-1 hydrogen-electric light jet with engineering advancements for safety, efficiency, and certification readiness by 2030.
- The BYA-1 features a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system, FADEC-managed electric ducted fans, and crashworthy hydrogen tanks, aiming to enhance safety and meet evolving hydrogen-powered certification standards.
- Cost-saving claims include a 65% reduction in fuel costs by 2025, operational cost savings of up to 55%, and an 800 NM range at 310 KTAS, covering over 80% of European flight routes.
- Endorsed by an expert advisory committee, Beyond Aero is actively collaborating with EASA to establish a regulatory framework for hydrogen aviation, backed by significant funding and support for zero-emission aviation.
Beyond Aero has unveiled the BYA-1, a refined hydrogen-electric light jet that incorporates engineering advancements to enhance safety, efficiency, and certification readiness. The aircraft features a battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with a 2.4MW fuel cell stack, eliminating the need for high-temperature turbines and reducing maintenance complexity. The electric ducted fans are managed by a custom FADEC system to optimize propulsion efficiency during different flight phases. To improve crashworthiness, 700-bar gaseous hydrogen tanks are integrated above the wing box, eliminating high-pressure fuel lines inside the cabin. These enhancements aim to not only enhance safety but also position the aircraft for regulatory approval under EASA's evolving hydrogen-powered certification framework. Beyond Aero claims that the BYA-1 will significantly reduce fuel costs compared to traditional fuels, offering operational cost savings and an impressive range to cover a majority of European flight routes. The aircraft, designed for business aviation, accommodates six passengers and is equipped for operations in constrained airports like London City. With an expert advisory committee's endorsement and active collaboration with EASA, Beyond Aero is shaping the future of zero-emission aviation. Supported by substantial funding, including recent milestones like France's first manned hydrogen-electric flight, Beyond Aero is driving forward the advancement of certified hydrogen aviation.