NLR is working to energy its analysis plane, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, with liquid hydrogen in collaboration with zepp.options, an organization specializing in gas cell programs growth and integration. Each organizations view this newly shaped partnership as an important component in NLR’s objective to conduct an indication flight in 2026.
To facilitate the hydrogen conversion, the Pipistrel Velis Electro will likely be modified with further set up house beneath the cockpit for the gas cell system developed by zepp.options. Though the companions haven’t disclosed particular technical particulars, they emphasize that their cooperation displays a shared dedication to advancing sustainable aviation inside the Dutch ecosystem.
zepp.options will develop the hydrogen gas cell system and actively take part in its integration into the Pipistrel throughout all testing phases main as much as the demonstration flight. This collaborative method is designed to leverage the strengths and experience of each events, considerably growing the chance of a profitable demo flight.
NLR mission supervisor Arjen Kloosterman states that the first purpose is to amass experience in creating and integrating hydrogen parts and powertrains for manned aviation. He highlights that past bodily integration, essential challenges embody making certain airworthiness and security when introducing hydrogen on an plane. The complete course of resulting in the 2026 demo flight will generate useful insights for integrating hydrogen know-how, setting the stage for future developments within the aviation sector. Kloosterman notes that this collaboration with Zepp is an important step in contributing to NLR’s Local weather Impartial Aviation initiative.
Jan Bot, co-founder of zepp.options, expresses that their gas cell know-how has demonstrated effectiveness throughout varied industries. He emphasizes the distinctive challenges posed by aviation and the worth of the collaboration in facilitating mutual studying. By creating the hydrogen system for the Pipistrel alongside NLR, they purpose not solely to showcase the potential of hydrogen in aviation but in addition to extract classes that would profit the sector.
This analysis endeavor is partially funded by the Aviation in Transition innovation program, supported by the Dutch authorities’s Nationwide Progress Fund. Moreover, it aligns with NLR’s Local weather Impartial Aviation program, which seeks to pioneer revolutionary options for reaching climate-neutral aviation by 2050 on the newest.
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