ZeroAvia has sold its first hydrogen-electric propulsion system and expects to deliver it to the customer for use in flight testing during the coming months.
The 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) has been sold to Jetcruzer International, a small California, USA-based company developing a six -seater aircraft called the Jetcruzer 500E.
ZeroAvia has been marketing its EPS alongside other parts it has under development for electric aircraft, such as its inverter, motors and fuel cells since last April. The company says it has more than 2,000 pre-orders for its two hydrogen-electric powertrains, the 600kW version for up to 20-seat aircraft and a 2000kW suitable for 90-seaters.
ZeroAvia’s 600kW EPS recently received an FAA G-1 issue paper outlining the basis of certification. The 600kW EPS system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply ZeroAvia’s direct drive motor, capable of 2,200 rpm
Jetcruzer International for electric flight testing to hone the design of its Jetcruzer 500E.
Jetcruzer International is developing the Jetcruzer 500E, a six-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, with an entry-into-service target of 2028, followed by the larger 1250E in 2030.
The EPS system will be integrated into a redesigned and rebuilt Jetcruzer 500 as a testbed for the new electric aircraft. Originally conceived in the 1990s, the Jetcruzer 500 achieved several FAA certification milestones but never reached production.
Jetcruzer International acquired the intellectual property in 2017 and has since been dedicated to advancing a new era of sustainable aviation.
ZeroAvia has opened a 136,000 square foot facility in in Everett, Washington State to produce the electric propulsion systems for its own full hydrogen-electric powertrains and for aircraft OEMs like Jetcruzer.
Sergey Kiselev, chief business officer at ZeroAvia said, “It is exciting that our first sale of the 600kW EPS as a standalone unit will support a project with simultaneously a rich history and a bright future.
“Our commitment to deep vertical integration in development of our full powertrain technology is paying off as we have amassed a range of IP and a portfolio of valuable fuel cell and electric propulsion components that have a strong market in their own right.”
Victor Tao, CEO of Jetcruzer International said, “Sustainable aviation is the future, and we are thrilled to take a leadership role in advancing this vision. The electrification of the Jetcruzer 500E represents a bold step forward in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high performance and efficiency our customers expect.”
