Dutch Start-up Plans to Revolutionize Aviation with Hydrogen-Powered Dash 8-300
Key Ideas
- Dutch start-up Conscious Aerospace secures €73.3 million for a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain project to retrofit a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 for zero-emission flight.
- The project aims to fly a certifiable liquid hydrogen electric propulsion system by March 2029, with overseas entities like EH Group and Magna Steyr participating.
- The powertrain will feature fuel cell stack, electrical distribution system, and twin electric motors, with cryogenic liquid hydrogen stored in metallic tanks for a 400nm range.
- Conscious Aerospace's objective is to prove credibility as an integrator for future line-fit work, anticipating EASA certification by the early 2030s and a modest retrofit market of 50 shipsets.
Dutch start-up Conscious Aerospace, backed by a €73.3 million grant from the Dutch government, plans to revolutionize aviation by retrofitting a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 with a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain. The project, part of the HAPSS initiative, aims to achieve a fully certifiable liquid hydrogen electric propulsion system by March 2029. Overseas entities are also involved in this ambitious project, with a focus on stimulating Dutch domestic production capacity. The powertrain, designed to fit the existing nacelle structure, will feature a fuel cell stack, electrical distribution system, and cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage for a 400nm range. While sacrificing some seating capacity, the project aims to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen propulsion in aviation. Conscious Aerospace seeks to obtain EASA certification by the early 2030s and anticipates a niche market for retrofitting older airframes. By proving its capability as an integrator, the company aims to secure future line-fit work and establish itself as a key player in sustainable aviation. With De Havilland Canada's support and the prospect of exclusive access to the Q300 product line, Conscious Aerospace is poised to lead the way in hydrogen-powered aviation innovations.