Hydrogen Aircraft Powertrain and Storage Systems (HAPSS)

The project aims to make the aviation sector more sustainable and significantly reduce the environmental impact of regional flights. By using hydrogen as a fuel, harmful emissions and pollution are avoided, taking a step toward a greener future. That’s why the project is developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to be integrated into an existing Dash 8-300 aircraft. This accelerates the transition to zero-emission flying and builds knowledge of this new technology. This positions us well for the development of a hydrogen-based propulsion system for a future aircraft.

The aviation sector’s ambitions to reduce emissions have been established internationally (ATAG Waypoint 2050, Destination 2050, ACARE Fly the Green Deal, ICAO LTAG resolution). Hydrogen-electric propulsion is emission-free and suitable for smaller aircraft operating from regional airports, where hydrogen infrastructure is easier to scale up than at large international airports. Aircraft manufacturers are risk-averse, and developing both a new propulsion system and a new aircraft simultaneously presents a significant risk. By converting an existing aircraft, experience can be gained with this new technology, ensuring strong positioning for the development of an emission-free propulsion system for an entirely new aircraft.

The gases emitted by aircraft that contribute to the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and contrails. Using hydrogen-electric propulsion eliminates carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides and results in fewer contrails due to lower temperatures and lower flight altitudes. This contrasts with the use of sustainable fuels, such as SAF, or hydrogen combustion in jet engines, which still produce nitrogen oxides and lead to increased contrail formation.

• The first phase of HAPSS has resulted in a concept architecture with supporting analysis, demonstrating that integrating a hydrogen fuel cell system into an existing Dash 8-300 is feasible.
• Additionally, it has been shown that the operational performance of the modified aircraft remains sufficient for passenger transport within a specific network of destinations.
• Finally, agreements have been reached with both the aircraft manufacturer and certification authorities for the next phase of development.

• In 2025, we will refine the concept architecture with our suppliers and begin conceptual design.
• In 2026, initial testing will take place using a ground-based test setup.
• In 2027, the system will be integrated into a Dash 8-300 to begin the first ground tests.