GKN Aerospace has unveiled H2FlyGHT, a new initiative to develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. The announcement was made at the Farnborough Airshow 2024. The company aims for this development to set new standards for future generations of larger sustainable aircraft.
Building on the earlier success of the H2GEAR project, H2FlyGHT introduces improved thermal management, streamlining flight testing and certification processes. According to GKN Aerospace, the project seeks to demonstrate a propulsion system that integrates hydrogen fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems.
For this endeavor, GKN Aerospace is collaborating with several partners: the University of Manchester on motor coil design, Parker Meggitt on thermal management, and the University of Nottingham on cryogenic inverter technology.