ZeAero Gains Government Support for the Launch of its Propulsion Prototype
Bristol, UK, 23rd January 2025 – ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace) and its consortium of partners confirmed the co-funding from Innovate UK under the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) programme for the ‘Sparrowhawk Project’ for the development, build and testing of ZeAero’s novel new Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion System for aviation. This innovative propulsion system will enable commercial flight without polluting emissions.
Business and regional aviation will only remain environmentally and socially acceptable if aircraft propulsion systems are developed that can operate with zero polluting emissions. These zero emissions propulsion systems must also deliver strong economics and the necessary aircraft payload-range performance needed for practical airline and business use. Due to poor energy density restricting aircraft range, there is now the recognition that batteries and gaseous hydrogen propulsion systems are a false dawn for aviation and more innovative solutions are needed.
ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace), Intelligent Energy, Rockfort Engineering, Wessington Cryogenics and the National Composites Centre through the Sparrowhawk project are actively developing a novel modular liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion system that produces zero damaging emissions in operation and achieves class leading power density and specific energy. It achieves this through the application of multiple innovative design features to promote safety and efficiency.
This propulsion system will:
1) deliver zero emissions in service – benefiting the environment,
2) reduce aircraft maintenance and operating costs – compared to current aviation propulsion units, and
3) not compromise on the high safety standards demanded by the aviation industry.
The consortium for this industry-leading zero emissions propulsion system is led by ZeAero% the lead developer of this system who are experts in the development of novel non-polluting aviation technologies and aircraft design. Also participating as partners are Rockfort Engineering who are specialists in EV powertrains, batteries and ancillary systems providing consultancy and low volume design and build services. Wessington Cryogenics, a global leader in the design and manufacture of cryogenic storage vessels for research and industrial applications. The National Composites Centre who are the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Composites R&D and a world leader in composite technology, and Intelligent Energy a world leading hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer with 23 years’ experience and products across eight industries.
Together our capabilities, experience and proprietary solutions for the field of zero emissions and hydrogen aviation will make practical 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