During last week’s Farnborough Airshow ZeAero unveiled the ZERA-LITE, a hydrogen-powered retrofit programme that will allow regional operators to transition to practical zero-emissions flight while leveraging the globally proven Cessna Caravan platform.
“The ZERA-LITE is powered by industry-leading zero-emissions aviation technology with ZeAero’s novel ZERA-Propulsion system,” said the company in a press statement. “This STC application is designed to help operators enter the zero-emissions market with significantly reduced risk, transforming the Cessna Caravan into an efficient, future-ready platform for sustainable regional operations.”
“The ZERA-LITE represents an important step towards making zero-emissions aviation a reality for regional operators and proving liquid hydrogen is a viable and profitable future vector for the whole industry,” said Dr Matthew Orchard, CEO of ZeAero. “Our aim is to provide customers with a practical pathway into hydrogen-powered operations while maintaining the payload, range and operational flexibility they need.”
Powered by a 503kW liquid-hydrogen fuel cell system, the ZERA-LITE is expected to deliver superior zero-emissions performance, with a maximum passenger range of approximately 400 nautical miles, said the company. This capability is designed to reduce infrastructure requirements and give operators greater network flexibility, while retaining a strong payload capability of around 950kg, practical cargo capacity and competitive seat-mile costs. With a targeted 6,000-flight-cycle interval between major propulsion renewals, the ZERA-LITE is being developed to offer operators long-term operational value.
“The advanced STC will offer an efficient retrofit programme for operators with an aircraft expected downtime of only two to three weeks and minimal pilot conversion requirements. ZeAero% is currently engaged with multiple regional operators regarding future deployment opportunities. The company is currently accelerating its development work and is putting in place the preparations for the transition into its industrialisation phase along with the necessary engagement with the relevant certification authorities to prepare the ZERA-LITE for a planned Entry-Into-Service by 2031.”
For more information
https://www.zeaero.co.uk/blog/zeaero-unveils-the-zera-lite-lh2-retrofit-solution-for-the-cessna-caravan