GKN Aerospace launches new initiative for hydrogen-electric propulsion

"The H2FlyGHT project marks a pivotal step in our quest to enable aviation's route to net zero. Building on H2GEAR's innovations, we are scaling up to 2 MW propulsion system demonstration to maximize the payload and range potential of zero-emission flight," said GKN Aerospace chief technology officer Russ Dunn. "Collaborating with our partners, we aim to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry's move to commercialize sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s."

The company is actively engaged in major collaborative projects—H2GEAR, HYFIVE and H2FlyGHT—aimed at developing a comprehensive zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion system. These initiatives involve a combined investment of approximately £200 million in sustainable technology.

Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), emphasized that hydrogen fuel cells are crucial for ATI’s zero-carbon emission roadmap. "We are pleased to co-fund and support the H2FlyGHT project, led by GKN Aerospace, which builds on other projects in the ATI Program portfolio such as HYFIVE and H2GEAR," Elliott said. "H2FlyGHT will accelerate the fuel cell technology to flight readiness and take us an important step closer to realizing the vision of hydrogen-powered flight.”