GKN Aerospace Launches H2FlyGHT Project for Sustainable Aircraft Propulsion
Key Ideas
  • GKN Aerospace initiates the £44 million H2FlyGHT project to develop a two-megawatt hydrogen-electric propulsion system for larger sustainable aircraft, aiming to set new industry standards.
  • The project will focus on enhancing efficiency and performance through cutting-edge thermal management solutions, fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced drive systems.
  • Collaborations with industry and academic partners like Parker Meggitt, the University of Manchester, and the University of Nottingham aim to push the boundaries of motor technology, system integration, and cryogenic inverter technology.
  • The CTO of GKN Aerospace, Russ Dunn, highlights the project's importance in enabling aviation's transition to net-zero emissions and supporting the commercialization of sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s.
GKN Aerospace has unveiled the H2FlyGHT project, a groundbreaking initiative with a budget of £44 million, dedicated to developing a cutting-edge two-megawatt hydrogen-electric propulsion system for larger sustainable aircraft. The project aims to establish new benchmarks in the aviation industry by introducing innovative thermal management solutions to boost efficiency and performance. Building upon the achievements of the H2GEAR project, H2FlyGHT will showcase an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale, incorporating fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems. To achieve its ambitious goals, GKN Aerospace is collaborating with industry and academic partners. Parker Meggitt will contribute expertise in thermal management and the 'balance of plant' for the fuel cell system, ensuring seamless system integration and optimal performance. The University of Manchester is focusing on the design of hyper-conducting motor coils to advance motor technology, while the University of Nottingham is actively involved in full motor design and scale-up, alongside the development of essential cryogenic inverter technology for efficient high-power propulsion systems. Russ Dunn, the Chief Technology Officer at GKN Aerospace, emphasized the significance of the H2FlyGHT project in driving aviation towards a net-zero emissions future. He highlighted the project's role in maximizing payload and range potential for zero-emission flights, with a specific focus on supporting the industry's transition to commercialize sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s. The project's ultimate aim is to expedite the path to flight testing and certification, aligning with customer requirements and industry standards, thus paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation sector.
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