The Comeback of Amphibious Aircraft: A Zero Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Twist
Key Ideas
  • Amphibious aircraft are making a comeback for avoiding crowded airports and potential conflict scenarios between countries.
  • Jekta and ZeroAvia are collaborating to develop a 19-seat passenger seaplane powered by zero emission hydrogen fuel cells, offering increased range and payload capacity.
  • Both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell systems will be utilized in amphibious aircraft, catering to different operational needs and routes.
  • ZeroAvia received a significant grant from the UK government for high temperature fuel cell systems to be deployed on narrow-body jets, indicating a growing trend in hydrogen-based aviation technology.
Amphibious aircraft, also known as sea planes, are experiencing a resurgence in the aviation industry with a focus on zero emission technology, particularly hydrogen fuel cells. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China has developed a large-scale amphibious aircraft with plans for firefighting and maritime rescue. DARPA's 'Liberty Lifter Seaplane Wing-in-Ground Effect' program, involving Boeing's Aurora Flight Sciences, aims to demonstrate heavy-air-lift capability over water. Jekta, a Swiss firm, is committed to zero emission electric flight using hydrogen fuel cells or batteries in its new seaplanes. ZeroAvia, a US-UK firm, is collaborating with Jekta to power a variant of the PHA-ZE 100 seaplane with fuel cell technology. The partnership aims to provide increased range and payload capacity to cater to both established and new regional markets. Despite also exploring battery-electric flight, Jekta sees potential in the fuel cell system for longer regional routes. ZeroAvia's efforts in green hydrogen technology have been recognized, with the company receiving a £10.5 million grant from the UK government for high temperature fuel cell systems for narrow-body jets. The partnership includes universities for system validation, testing, and manufacturability assessment. Moreover, ASL Aviation Holdings is set to retrofit regional aircraft with up to 20 hydrogen fuel cell engines for zero emission flights. The global hydrogen market is transitioning towards green hydrogen sourced from water with the help of renewable energy and electrolysis systems. ZeroAvia is focusing on reducing the cost of green hydrogen production and plans to utilize excess renewable energy from the grid. The article showcases a positive sentiment towards the advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology within the aviation sector.
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