ZeroAvia, a company focused on developing zero-emission aviation solutions, has received delivery of a 76-passenger Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop from Alaska Airlines. The aircraft is slated to be retrofitted with the company’s hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, paving the way for a potential test flight as early as next year.
ZeroAvia has been working on modular motor systems that could be instrumental in achieving the goals of the company, which is targeting commercialized electric plane operations with a 300-mile range, 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025, and flights with 40-80 seat aircraft with up to 700 miles of range by 2027.
ZeroAvia has received three experimental certificates for prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA, making it a leader in the industry. Alaska Airlines, a partner and investor in ZeroAvia, delivered the Bombardier Q400 in a ceremony attended by Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US Representative Suzan DelBenem.
At the event, ZeroAvia also debuted its HyperCore motor modules, which allow for zero-emissions aviation applications ranging from 900kW up to 5.4MW. The modules offer an impressive power density of 15kW/kg and can potentially propel the 76-seat Dash 8-400 electric plane.
Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, commented on the company’s progress, saying, “Demonstrating this size of aircraft in flight, powered entirely by novel propulsion, would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Launching this program puts us on track for a test flight next year, and accelerates our progress toward the future of zero-emission flight for Alaska Airlines and for the world at large.”
While the retrofit of the Bombardier Q400 is an exciting development, the company must also certify its ZA2000 propulsion system powered by the new modular HyperCore motors. ZeroAvia’s advances in zero-emission aviation technology could help the industry transition away from fossil fuels and pave the way for a more sustainable future in air travel.
