Hydrogen-Electric Technology to Power Commercial Flight Route in Australia
Key Ideas
- Stralis Aircraft and CQ University plan to use hydrogen-electric technology for a commercial flight route between Brisbane and Gladstone in 2027.
- The project is supported by the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Programme, funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO.
- Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA) members, including Stralis and CQ University, are advancing innovative hydrogen technology in aviation.
- In the US, the Air Force is funding JetZero to develop a blended-wing-body aircraft with significantly lower fuel consumption, indicating growing interest in hydrogen in the aircraft sector.
Stralis Aircraft, based in Brisbane, is collaborating with CQ University to develop a hydrogen-electric propulsion system for a commercial flight route between Brisbane and Gladstone planned for 2027. The project involves designing a heat management system for a high-temperature PEM fuel cell to be integrated into a liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft. The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Programme, supported by the Queensland Government and CSIRO, is funding the initiative, enabling SMEs like Stralis to realize ambitious ideas. CQ University's Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy is aiding Stralis in advancing their innovative propulsion system. Additionally, both Stralis and CQ University are members of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA), promoting hydrogen technology in aviation. In the US, the Air Force is investing in JetZero to develop a blended-wing-body aircraft with significantly reduced fuel consumption, showcasing the increasing interest and investment in hydrogen technology within the aircraft industry.