ZeAero and Partners Secure InnovateUK Grant Funding for Novel LH2 Aviation Propulsion System Development
Bristol, UK, 2nd June 2023 – ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace) and its consortium of partners were confirmed today to receive Innovate UK grant funding towards the ‘Kestrel Project’ for the development of a novel Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion System that will enable commercial flight without polluting emissions.
The Kestrel project develops a modular hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion system that produces zero damaging emissions in operation and achieves class leading power density and specific energy using novel design features. The Kestrel propulsion system not only will deliver zero emissions in service but will do so with lower maintenance and operating costs than legacy aviation propulsion units and without compromising on safety. The system under design will be capable of up to 1MW of power for regional and business aircraft applications.
Lead partner in the project ZeAero% are experts in the development of novel non-polluting aviation technologies and aircraft design. The project consortium also includes Rockfort Engineering, experts in propulsion system control, and Evolito Aero, leaders in the development of high power-density aviation electric motors. Intelligent Energy are the UK’s leaders in Fuel Cell technology, whilst Wessington Cryogenics are a leader in cryogenic storage development. The National Composite Centre is the UK’s leading industrial composites research partner.
Together the Kestrel Consortium partners bring wide capability, experience and proprietary novel solutions to the field of zero emissions and hydrogen aviation, making non-polluting flight possible.
About ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace)
ZeAero% is an aerospace engineering company founded by passionate and experienced aviation professionals committed to enabling practical zero‑emissions flight. The company specialises in developing liquid‑hydrogen fuel‑cell propulsion systems and zero‑emissions aircraft solutions for regional and business aviation. ZeAero% is designing, testing, and certificating novel products including the ZERA-Lite STC conversion and ZERA-19 aircraft to enable safe, practical and profitable hydrogen-powered operations.
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is creating a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. We provide targeted sectors with expertise, facilities and funding to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth. Join our network and communities of innovators to realise the potential of your ideas and accelerate business growth. Innovate UK: inspiring business innovation.
Contacts for Media
info@zeaero.co.uk