Hydrogen-Electric Dash 8 By Conscious Aerospace Even with the recent problems that Hydrogen-Electric pioneer ZeroAvia has been experiencing in this particular space of alternative fuel-power other companies and start-ups are still pushing ahead with their individual hydrogen-electric programs. https://www.jetforums.net/threads/n...pecialist-zeroavia-flies-into-headwinds.5210/ .
Rotterdam-based Conscious Aerospace is another of these companies that is pushing ahead with their hydrogen-electric plans. The company has the support of the Dutch Government along with several industry partners at this stage and is working on their CA2100 hydrogen-electric propulsion system to be the propulsion for the De Havilland Dash 8 regional airliner. This propulsion system is a 2 MW system and will be fitted on Dash 8 Q300 models. The anticipated applications include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions (SAR).
While hydrogen-electric will likely be more beneficial for the environment because of the lack of fumes and exhaust pollutants the operational range of the Dash 8 is likely to be significantly reduced in the quest of adopting this technology. A typical Pratt & Whitney Canada-powered Dash 8 has a range between 800 to 1100 nautical miles.
With some preliminary data garnered from collaboration with De Havilland, they are expecting that a hydrogen-powered Dash 8, carrying around 30 to 36 passengers will have a range in the region of 408 nautical miles. With this in mind, the developmental timeline includes having a ground-test rig operating by the end of 2028. More importantly, flight testing with a Dash 8 testbed is earmarked to commence start in 2029 with service entry by 2030. For more information: Conscious Aerospace Rotterdam Airportbaan 19, 3045 AN Rotterdam, Netherlands www.consciousaerospace.com ***
