Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is leading a consortium aiming to deliver the world’s first green passenger airline carrying services using hydrogen fuel technology.
On 30 March, it announced that through Project Fresson, it will look to capitalise on recent advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology to develop a commercially viable, retrofit powertrain solution for a nine-passenger Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. It is working with Ricardo and Innovatus Technologies, following an extensive assessment of hydrogen technology innovators, as well as Britten Norman, Cranfield University and the Aerospace Technology Institute.
Project Fresson will see the delivery of an emissions free flying demonstrator, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, by September 2022. Hydrogen fuel cell technology was deemed the optimum solution to meet environmental, regulatory and operational requirements for the size of the aircraft, resulting in zero carbon emissions and reduced operating costs.
