ZeAero Successfully Completes Kestrel 1MW Aviation Hydrogen Propulsion System Design
Bristol, UK, 6th August 2024 – ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace) and its consortium of partners have successfully completed the 1MW Propulsion System design in conclusion of the ‘Kestrel Project’ a project co-funded by Innovate UK. This novel Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion System will enable commercial flight without polluting emissions for regional and business aircraft types.
The Kestrel project delivered the design and simulated performance for 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. This propulsion system not only delivers zero emissions in service, but the consortium worked together to ensure it will do this with lower maintenance and operating costs than legacy aviation propulsion units and that it will also do so without compromising on safety. The project has resulted in the filing of several patents for the protection of ZeAero’s novel designs, which increase performance and enhance safety.
Lead partner in the project ZeAero% are experts in the development of novel non-polluting aviation technologies and aircraft design. The project consortium also included Rockfort Engineering, experts in propulsion system control, and Evolito Aero, leaders in the development of high power-density aviation electric motors. Co-partners 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.
The Kestrel 1MW Propulsion System design has shown the benefits of ZeAero’s novel approach to hydrogen aviation propulsion system design, complemented by the expertise of the consortium partners. With the successful conclusion of this project, ZeAero and its consortium has a strong foundation to bring practical and profitable hydrogen propulsion systems to the aviation market, 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