• Scaling up propulsion systems to 2 MW for applicability in larger aircraft
  • Ground-breaking thermal management technology crucial for enhanced efficiency and scalability of future zero-emission propulsion systems
  • Collaborative GKN-led project with Parker Meggitt and the Universities of Manchester and Nottingham, supported by the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute

GKN Aerospace has launched H2FlyGHT, a revolutionary £44 million project. This collaborative initiative will develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system, setting new standards for the future generation of larger sustainable aircraft.

Building on the successes of the H2GEAR project, H2FlyGHT introduces cutting-edge thermal management solutions to enhance efficiency and performance.

H2FlyGHT is designed to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, meeting customer needs and industry standards. The project will demonstrate an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale including fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and advanced cryogenic drive systems.

GKN Aerospace is collaborating with industry and academic partners to achieve the ambitious goals of H2FlyGHT:

  • Parker Meggitt: Collaborating on thermal management and ‘balance of plant’ for the fuel cell system, ensuring comprehensive system integration and performance.
  • University of Manchester: Focusing on hyperconducting motor coil design, pushing the boundaries of motor technology.
  • University of Nottingham: Supporting full motor design and scale-up and cryogenic inverter technology development, essential for developing high-power, efficient propulsion systems.

Russ Dunn, CTO of GKN Aerospace, said: “The H2FlyGHT project marks a pivotal step in our quest to enable aviation’s route to netzero. Building on H2GEAR’s innovations, we are scaling up to 2 MW propulsion system demonstration to maximise the payload and range potential of zero emission flight. Collaborating with our partners, we aim to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry’s move to commercialise sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s”

Tracy Rice, VP of technology & innovation for Parker Aerospace, said “H2Flyght is another key building block towards the Hydrogen Aircraft and carbon-free aviation. Together with our partners, leveraging our UK footprint and our great engineering capabilities, we are committed to develop the right technologies to enable net-zero emissions by 2050”

Gary Elliott, Chief Executive of the Aerospace Technology Institute said: “Hydrogen has a strong potential to power the next-generation of sustainable aircraft, and hydrogen fuel cells are a key part of the ATI’s Destination Zero strategy and zero-carbon emission roadmap.

 We are pleased to co-fund and support the H2FlyGHT project, led by GKN Aerospace, which builds on other projects in the ATI Programme portfolio, such as HyFive and H2GEAR. H2FlyGHT will accelerate the fuel cell technology to flight readiness and take us an important step closer to realising the vision of hydrogen-powered flight.”

GKN Aerospace is at the leading edge of the aviation industry’s shift towards commercial hydrogen platforms, which are projected to launch in the mid-2030s. The company is actively engaged in multiple major collaborative projects—H2GEAR, HYFIVE and H2FlyGHT—aimed at developing a comprehensive zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion system. These initiatives represent a substantial combined investment of approximately £200 million in sustainable technology. By participating in these ground-breaking projects, both within the UK and globally, GKN Aerospace reaffirms its dedication to advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the transition to zero-emission flight.