GKN Aerospace has unveiled H2FlyGHT, a new initiative to develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system, which it hopes will achieve new standards for the future generation of larger sustainable aircraft.
After the earlier success of the H2GEAR project, H2FlyGHT introduces improved thermal management, streamlining flight testing and certification.
According to GKN, the project aims to demonstrate a propulsion system that integrates hydrogen fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems.
GKN Aerospace collaborates with the University of Manchester on motor coil design, Parker Meggitt on thermal management, and the University of Nottingham on cryogenic inverter technology for the project.
"The H2FlyGHT project marks a pivotal step in our quest to enable aviation's route to net zero. Building on H2GEAR's innovations, we are scaling up to 2 MW propulsion system demonstration to maximize the payload and range potential of zero-emission flight," said GKN Aerospace chief technology officer Russ Dunn. "Collaborating with our partners, we aim to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry's move to commercialize sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s."
The company is actively engaged in major collaborative projects—H2GEAR, HYFIVE and H2FlyGHT—aimed at developing a comprehensive zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion system. The schemes call for a combined investment of around £200 million in sustainable technology.
Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), said hydrogen fuel cells are a key part of the ATI’s zero-carbon emission roadmap. "We are pleased to co-fund and support the H2FlyGHT project, led by GKN Aerospace, which builds on other projects in the ATI Program portfolio, such as HYFIVE and H2GEAR," Elliott said. "H2FlyGHT will accelerate the fuel cell technology to flight readiness and take us an important step closer to realizing the vision of hydrogen-powered flight.”