ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a hydrogen-electric version of Airlander 10. The hybrid aircraft combines aerostatic lift, aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust, with a payload of 10 tonnes and a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.

The first Airlander 10 will use four diesel engines to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared with other aircraft of similar capacity. Adding ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system will enable fully zero-emission in-flight operations, carrying more than 100 passengers and reducing maintenance costs.

ZeroAvia’s 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain, the ZA600, has already passed key regulatory milestones, gained hundreds of pre-orders and secured launch customers. The company has conducted flight testing on a 19-seat prototype aircraft.

The Airlander’s large hull allows room for hydrogen storage, making it well suited for early adoption of certified hydrogen technologies. The partnership will also examine the potential for applying ZeroAvia’s systems to future HAV aircraft and assess hydrogen fuel infrastructure needs.

Tom Grundy, CEO, Hybrid Air Vehicles, says: “ZeroAvia has led the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and made impressive progress commercially, technically and with regulators.”

Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, adds: “Airlander is another exciting airframe for line-fit of our powertrains as it can open up a whole new market in air travel.”