Hydrogen Technology Demonstrator Flights Now Set to Start in the New Year

After aiming to begin flight testing converted twin turboprop regional airliners before the end of 2022, both ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen are now looking to make their first test flights in January.

ZeroAvia's Dornier 228 hydrogen-electric technology demonstrator aircraft. — ZeroAvia's Dornier 228 technology demonstrator aircraft is set to make a first test flight with a hydrogen-electric powertrain replacing one of its two Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engines. (Image: ZeroAvia)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

December 26, 2022

The first flights of a pair of hydrogen-powered technology demonstrators are now set to happen early in 2023. As 2022 drew to a close rivals ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen were making final preparations to begin their respective flight tests with Dornier 228 and Dash 8-300 twin turboprop regional airliners.

On December 23, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a permit to fly for ZeroAvia’s 19-seat Dornier 228, which has been involved in ground tests at Kemble Airport in England for several months. One of the aircraft’s Honeywell TPE-331 turboprop engines has been replaced with the U.S.-based start-up’s hydrogen-electric powertrain.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN