Hydrogen-Enhanced Electric Amphibious Aircraft PHA-ZE 100 Partnership Development
Key Ideas
- JEKTA partners with ZeroAvia to enhance the flight range and payload capacity of the PHA-ZE 100 electric amphibious aircraft with a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain.
- The PHA-ZE 100 features composite airframe, 10 electric motors at 180 kW each, one-hour flight capability with quick-charge battery blocks, and accommodation for up to 19 passengers.
- The partnership will offer operators the choice between hydrogen fuel and electric battery power, with hydrogen promising longer zero-emission flights and a payload increase of one tonne.
- The development will focus on integrating a fuel-cell power generation system for the aircraft, including electronics, hydrogen tank, and fuel system, with plans for European and US certification by 2029.
Swiss clean-energy aviation startup JEKTA has announced a partnership with fuel-cell powertrain developer ZeroAvia to enhance the flight range and payload capacity of the upcoming electric amphibious passenger aircraft PHA-ZE 100. The aircraft, designed around a battery-electric powertrain, will now incorporate a hydrogen fuel-cell system to enable longer zero-emission flights and larger payloads. With a cruising speed of 135 knots and accommodation for up to 19 passengers, the PHA-ZE 100 will utilize composite airframe technology and 10 electric motors at 180 kW each. The collaboration aims to offer operators the flexibility to choose between hydrogen and electric power sources. JEKTA and ZeroAvia will work on certifying an integrated fuel-cell power generation system for the aircraft, with a focus on achieving European and US certifications by 2029. The aircraft is designed to land in various water bodies and land-based runways and is configured to accommodate existing and future energy storage solutions. Visitors at the Farnborough Airshow can learn more about this innovative partnership, with the first PHA-ZE 100 delivery estimated for 2029.