FutureFlight
Textron Partners with ZeroAvia to Convert Grand Caravan Aircraft to Hydrogen Propulsion
The companies see a market to retrofit some of the 2,400 turboprop utility aircraft already delivered worldwide under a supplemental type certificate for the 600-kW ZA600 powertrain.
ZeroAvia and Textron aim to convert the Cessna Grand Caravan to hydrogen propulsion.
According to Textron and its new partner ZeroAvia, the Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft is well suited to being converted to hydrogen propulsion with fuel tanks installed under its high wing. (Image: ZeroAvia)

Textron Aviation is to electrify its Cessna Grand Caravan utility aircraft using ZeroAvia’s 600-kW hydrogen-electric propulsion system. Under a development agreement announced on September 29, the companies will work together to obtain an FAA supplemental type certificate to retrofit the turboprop aircraft using the ZA600 powertrain.

California-based ZeroAvia aims to complete certification of the ZA600 system by 2025. Its work will now be supported by Textron’s engineers, who will provide data and certification support.