ZeAero% Completes Preliminary Design of its Propulsion System Prototype
Bristol, UK, 18th December 2025 – ZeAero% (Zero Emissions Aerospace) and its consortium of partners completed the Preliminary Design for the Sparrowhawk Propulsion Prototype of ZeAero’s novel new Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion System for aviation today. This innovative propulsion system will enable commercial flight without polluting emissions.
Through a series of rigorous and detailed design reviews involving independent experts, each of the sub-systems of ZeAero’s propulsion system has been reviewed to ensure compliance with technical requirements and future aviation certification needs. This review series culminated in an overall system review which confirmed the technical and quality aspects of the design of the Sparrowhawk demonstrator.
Successful completion of this phase of the project allows early procurement of long-lead items and the progression of the design into the Critical Design phase, which will lead to the build of the prototype propulsion system in 2026 followed by testing.
ZeAero’s Sparrowhawk prototype propulsion system will:
Deliver zero emissions in service – benefiting the environment,
Introduce novel technologies to simplify the design of hydrogen propulsion systems to enhance performance, reduce costs and maintenance, and
Not compromise on the high safety standards demanded by the aviation industry.
This novel propulsion system development is actively supported by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK.
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
@ZeAero @Hydrogen Aviation @InnovateUK @Aerospace Technology Institute