ZeroAvia Awarded Grant for Hydrogen-Electric Cessna Caravan Project by US Department of the Air Force
Key Ideas
- ZeroAvia receives an SBIR grant from the US Department of the Air Force to integrate hydrogen propulsion into a Cessna Caravan aircraft with automated flight technology.
- The project aims to reduce noise and thermal signature of the 8,000 lb. autonomous aircraft, enhancing its mission survivability in specific operational scenarios.
- Collaboration with Reliable Robotics for autonomous flight systems showcases the potential for hydrogen-electric propulsion in advanced air mobility applications.
- Involvement in the AFWERX program alongside other air mobility startups could lead to future US defense contracts for ZeroAvia and partners.
On March 25, 2025, ZeroAvia, a hydrogen flight startup, announced the reception of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the US Department of the Air Force. The grant is intended for a project that focuses on integrating hydrogen propulsion into a Cessna Caravan aircraft, which will also feature automated flight technology. This initiative aims to enhance the mission survivability of the 8,000 lb. autonomous aircraft by reducing its noise and thermal footprint. ZeroAvia will contribute its expertise in hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, while Reliable Robotics will handle the autonomous flight aspects. The grant is part of the AFWERX program, which evaluates the military applications of innovative aerospace technologies. Notably, participation in this program alongside other air mobility startups like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and BETA Technologies could potentially pave the way for future defense contracts. This collaboration highlights the growing interest and investment in hydrogen-electric propulsion for advanced air mobility solutions.