ZeroAvia is awarded U.S. Air Force grant for autonomous hydrogen-electric aircraft

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ZeroAvia is awarded U.S. Air Force grant for autonomous hydrogen-electric aircraft

ZeroAvia will analyze the potential for developing and delivering an autonomous aircraft with hydrogen-electric propulsion for reduced engine noise and low thermal signature.

CompositesWorld.com | GRACE NEHLS | March 26, 2025

ZeroAvia (Everett, Wash., U.S.) has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to conduct a feasibility study focused on integrating hydrogen propulsion into Cessna Caravan aircraft alongside advanced aircraft automation technology. AFWERX awards aim to address research questions with specific implications for the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

ZeroAvia will analyze the potential for developing and delivering an 8,000-pound autonomous aircraft with hydrogen-electric propulsion for reduced engine noise and low thermal signature to reduce detectability. According to the company, hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology for improving the range, duration and turnaround time of a range of electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Hydrogen has additional advantages as an aviation fuel as it can be produced at point of refueling given ready supply of electricity and water, which dramatically simplifies fuel logistics — a critical consideration for any defense applications. Finally, hydrogen has the highest energy per unit of weight of any chemical energy source, which enables potential maximum range of more than 2,000 nautical miles (almost 4,000 kilometers) in an autonomous aircraft of this type.

Reliable Robotics (Mountain View, Calif., U.S.), specialists in remote operation of aircraft, will support ZeroAvia in exploring relevant autonomous flight systems as part of the study...more
https://www.compositesworld.com/news/zeroavia-is-awarded-us-air-force-grant-for-autonomous-hydrogen-electric-aircraft