UK CAA Selects Three Projects for Latest Hydrogen Aviation Challenge
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has selected three projects to participate in the third round of its Hydrogen Challenge, focusing on aircraft turnaround operations, hydrogen storage and airside supply infrastructure.
The projects involve Beyond Aero, London City Airport and the University of East London; DreamerBoy Technologies; and Saxon Air. The CAA will work with the participants to examine the safety risks, regulatory requirements and potential gaps associated with introducing hydrogen into aviation.
The project involving Beyond Aero, London City Airport and the University of East London will investigate how hydrogen-electric aircraft could affect turnaround operations at a busy airport. Beyond Aero is developing an aircraft architecture based around hydrogen-electric propulsion, including fuel-cell systems, gaseous hydrogen tanks and cooling technology. The project will also examine the skills and educational requirements associated with hydrogen aviation.
DreamerBoy Technologies will use the programme to develop and test NOVAE+, a cryogenic compressed hydrogen storage system. The technology is designed to store hydrogen at very low temperatures and high pressure, with the company aiming to increase volumetric capacity while preventing fuel losses from boil-off. The project will generate safety data and regulatory information through development and testing.
Saxon Air will focus on the infrastructure required to store and supply hydrogen on the airside. Its project will examine the use of hydrogen for ground support equipment and unmanned aircraft systems, with the results intended to contribute to future regulation and operational guidance.
The CAA said the projects will help it better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen fuel, including how existing aviation regulations may need to evolve.
The latest round builds on previous Hydrogen Challenge projects. Earlier work included hydrogen-powered ground vehicles completing a zero-carbon aircraft turnaround at Exeter Airport, while Rolls-Royce and easyJet tested a modified Pearl 15 engine using hydrogen through take-off thrust and a simulated flight cycle.
