Otto Aviation this week confirmed plans for a 19-seat, hydrogen-powered version of its Celera aircraft that could be operated on flights of up to 1,000 nm. The Celera 750L is a stretched version of the 500L model that the U.S. company has in development. In a June 15 announcement, it said ZeroAvia will integrate its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain as an alternative propulsion system to the Red A03 diesel engine being used for the 500L.
The Celera features an innovative laminar-flow design that Otto says will deliver exceptional range for the six-seat 500L of around 4,500 nm at cruise speeds of 391 knots. The company has not provided more details about the projected performance for the 750L.
In December 2020, Otto announced plans to develop a zero-emissions version of the 500L and have it available by 2027. That is two years after the first Celera model is due to enter service.
The distinctive Celera airframe promises a cabin height of six feet two inches, which is unusual for a small general aviation aircraft. Otto says the diesel-powered 500L will deliver exceptional fuel economy, consuming between 18 and 25 miles per gallon, while delivering performance that matches that of comparably sized private jets.
According to ZeroAvia, the Celera 750L will provide even more competitive operating costs due to reduced maintenance expenses for the propulsion system and the lower price for hydrogen compared with jet-A fuel. It says the shape of the Celera’s fuselage is well-suited to storing large quantities of hydrogen fuel.
“ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric powertrain helps us to realize the commitment Otto has made to lower operating costs and climate impact for operators,” said Otto Aviation CEO William Otto. “Otto is looking to provide the most efficient aircraft in all senses of the word: minimizing maintenance and operating costs and reducing emissions.”
Within the next few weeks, ZeroAvia says, it expects to start flying a 19-seat Dornier 228 testbed aircraft fitted with the 600-kW ZA600 powertrain. It has a pair of the twin-turboprop aircraft that it will work on at its facilities in California and the UK.
ZeroAvia intends to be able to power 10- to 20-seat aircraft for flights of up to 300 miles by 2024. It expects to offer more powerful versions of its fuel-cell-based system by 2026 to support flights of up to 1,000 miles in 80-seat aircraft.
