ZeroAvia Secures U.S. Air Force Funding for Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Aircraft

Exciting news is brewing in the aviation world! ZeroAvia has been chosen by AFWERX to receive a Small Buisness Innovation Research (SBIR) grant.This funding will support a feasibility study aimed at incorporating hydrogen propulsion into Cessna Caravan aircraft, while also integrating cutting-edge automation technology. The goal of AFWERX is to tackle pressing research questions that have significant implications for the department of the Air Force (DAF).

As part of this initiative, ZeroAvia will delve into the possibilities of creating an 8,000 lb autonomous aircraft powered by hydrogen-electric propulsion. This innovative approach promises not only quieter engines but also a lower thermal signature, making these aircraft much harder to detect. Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a game-changer for enhancing the range and efficiency of various electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The benefits of using hydrogen as an aviation fuel are noteworthy. It can be generated on-site during refueling with just electricity and water, which simplifies logistics—a crucial factor in defense operations.Moreover,hydrogen boasts the highest energy density per weight among chemical fuels,potentially allowing these autonomous aircraft to achieve ranges exceeding 2,000 nautical miles (nearly 4,000 kilometers).

To further bolster this project, Reliable Robotics from California—experts in remote aircraft operation—will collaborate with ZeroAvia on exploring relevant systems for autonomous flight.

The DAF launched its Open Topic SBIR/STTR programme back in 2018 to broaden its funding scope for innovative solutions. With this grant from AFWERX, ZeroAvia is embarking on an exciting journey aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities through groundbreaking technologies like autonomy and fuel cells.

ZeroAvia is also making strides toward certifying its ZA600 powertrain—a robust 600kW hydrogen-electric system that converts hydrogen into electricity for powering electric motors—with civil aviation regulators. The first airframe set for this technology? The Cessna Caravan from Textron! Recently, they celebrated a major regulatory achievement by receiving an FAA G-1 issue paper related to their electric propulsion system.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the U.S. Air Force investigating how hydrogen fuel cells and electric propulsion can be applied in larger unmanned vehicles,” said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia.