Lyte Aviation has selected H3 Dynamics to provide the hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system for its planned 40-seat VTOL aircraft. Announcing the agreement on July 24, the companies stated they will also collaborate to install H3 Dynamics’ self-contained electrolyzer systems at airports where Lyte expects its Skybus LA-44 to operate.
With provisional sales agreements in place covering 23 of the aircraft, Lyte is exploring possible early use cases in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. The pre-orders are valued at €920 million ($998 million).
Lyte is also developing a cargo version called the SkyTruck LA-44C with a payload capacity of around 9,900 pounds and a 19-seat version for corporate customers. The company indicated it has expanded the range for some applications, such as humanitarian aid, to 2,000 kilometers (1,086 nm), which is twice the standard projected range of 1,000 kilometers.