Summary by ATFCars.com

Referenced article published on verticalmag.com on April 11, 2023 written by Aaron Karp. Link to original article:

ZeroAvia eyes hydrogen-electric power system for rotorcraft, eVTOLs

Buckle up for an electrifying leap into the future! ZeroAvia, an international trailblazer at the forefront of hydrogen-electric powertrain development, is aspiring to spark a revolution in rotorcraft and eVTOL vehicles. Following their successful ventures in fixed-wing aviation, they’re setting their sights on a more ambitious goal: to empower traditional helicopters and the fresh crop of eVTOLs with hydrogen-electric propulsion by 2027.

The firm recently caught the spotlight with their partnership with Sweden’s Braathens Regional Airlines, exploring hydrogen-electric powered short-haul passenger flights with the ZA600 powertrain, targeted for a 2025 launch. But it doesn’t end there; ZeroAvia is developing the ZA600b powertrain, particularly designed for eVTOLs and rotorcraft, with a hopeful launch date in 2027.

To accomplish these audacious objectives, they’re putting to use their 2022 acquisition of the fuel cell developer, HyPoint, and forging alliances with Piasecki Aircraft Corp. Together, they’re striving to construct a 650-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell system to power the PA-890 aircraft under development, designed to be all-electric, liberating it from the chains of traditional fuel.

However, the trailblazing path of innovation isn’t devoid of hurdles. As per Alex Ivanenko, ZeroAvia’s general manager, most existing eVTOL designs can’t accommodate a hydrogen fuel cell modification, suggesting that we might witness hydrogen-electric powered traditional helicopter designs before new-design tiltrotor aircraft. Nevertheless, this fascinating journey towards a more sustainable and efficient aviation industry is rife with thrilling possibilities and exhilarating prospects, ready to redefine the boundaries of our sky-bound aspirations.