UK consortium to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell aircraft in 2022

The UK's Project Fresson, which is working to convert a nine-passenger Britten-Norman Islander aircraft to clean power, has decided to use hydrogen fuel cell technology to obtain its goal in 2022.

"This project can deliver the world's first truly “green” passenger carrying airline services," Paul Hutton, chief executive of Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, which leads the project consortium, said on Monday as the consortium announced two new members.

Engineering consultancy Ricardo UK Ltd will provide expertise in fuel cell system development, while Innovatus Technologies Ltd will contribute with its innovative Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Tank (SHyFT) technology.

The project plans to create an emissions-free, hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered flying demonstrator by September 2022.

"Project Fresson is more than just a technology demonstrator; it has one focus above all others: real operational and commercial viability," said Cranfield Aerospace Solutions' chief strategy officer Jenny Kavanagh.

After an evaluation of technologies and in view of the recent advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology, the consortium believes that hydrogen fuel cells are the best option to meet environmental, regulatory and operational requirements for a plane of that size, delivering zero carbon emissions. The project had previously looked at the pure battery electric and the hybrid electric range extender options, it is explained on its website.

The change of concept means that car maker Rolls-Royce will withdraw from Project Fresson.

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is owned by Cranfield University, operating as its commercial arm.

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