IAAPS and GKN Aerospace validate hydrogen electric propulsion for the future of aviation

IAAPS and GKN Aerospace are working together to validate hydrogen electric propulsion technologies within the H2GEAR programme. By combining IAAPS' flexible, future ready facilities with GKN's pioneering propulsion expertise, both companies are accelerating progress toward a net zero future in flight.

GKN Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace structures and systems, spanning engines, airframes, landing gear, transparencies, and electrical systems for both commercial and military platforms. A major focus today is sustainable flight - advancing technologies that will enable a net zero future for aviation.

As part of this mission, GKN Aerospace has partnered with IAAPS to test and validate a Hydrogen Electric Propulsion (HEP) system within the H2GEAR programme, funded by the UK Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). This complex test campaign is led by Andrew McKeever, Principal Test Engineer at GKN, and brings together hydrogen fuel, cryogenics, and electric propulsion technologies.

The Challenge

Hydrogen propulsion, particularly liquid hydrogen (LH₂), demands highly specialised test infrastructure. In the UK, facilities capable of combining hydrogen handling, high voltage electrical systems, and advanced dynamometer capability are limited.

After an extensive down selection process, GKN chose IAAPS for its ability to rapidly adapt the new Bristol & Bath Science Park facility to accommodate these requirements. The demonstrator developed through this collaboration is a critical step toward proving hydrogen electric propulsion as a viable solution for future zero carbon aircraft.

Why IAAPS?

IAAPS stood out for its adaptability, engineering depth, and willingness to push into new technical domains beyond its combustion heritage. Together with GKN, the team established several new capabilities, including:

– Gaseous hydrogen supply systems

– High power battery emulation

– Cryogenic helium cooling infrastructure

Senior IAAPS engineers and University of Bath experts were closely involved throughout, ensuring safe, rigorous, and future ready development.

The Collaboration

The teams worked side by side in a co located model described as open, collaborative and highly effective. Engineers from both organisations were able to share insights rapidly, adapt plans as technical requirements evolved, and tackle emerging challenges together.

As Charlie Gaylard, Engineer at IAAPS, reflects: "What stood out was the openness across both teams. It allowed us to share information quickly, adjust our approach when needed, and work through complex technical issues effectively. That kind of collaboration is vital for the success of large scale programmes like H2GEAR."

This approach allowed IAAPS to demonstrate agility and technical responsiveness, essential qualities when working with disruptive propulsion technologies.

Impact

The partnership has already delivered successful testing of a Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) Energy Storage System and an integrated fuel cell Power Generation System (PGS). The next phase will advance into cryogenically cooled power distribution conduits and high power drive systems.

This work has enabled:

– Credible demonstration of novel hydrogen electric technologies

– High value validation data for future system design

– Strengthened UK capability in hydrogen propulsion

As Andrew McKeever notes: "Hydrogen technology demands unique test capabilities and a strong safety culture. IAAPS brought both, enabling us to move at the pace required for disruptive programmes like H2GEAR."