Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a development collaboration with ZeroAvia to incorporate a 600KW hydrogen-electric powertrain system into its Dornier Do-228 aircraft.
This MoU with ZeroAvia can pave the way for zero-emission regional connectivity, said R Madhavan, CMD, HAL. Engineers from both companies will work together to integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into the Dornier 228. Plans call for the 19 seat aircraft to achieve a range of up to 500 NM.
Apurba Roy, General Manager, HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division, said that it was critical to offer it as a zero-emission platform, including converting the existing fleet.
HAL intends to offer retrofits to existing Dornier & Hindustan-228 Aircraft, and line fit new manufactured Dornier & Hindustan-228 Aircraft with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain.
HAL also intends to continue to build new aircraft with additional FAA approval, designated Hindustan-228, which could also be fitted with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 zero-emission engines, should there be market demand.
Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder, ZeroAvia, said, “HAL has a long experience with the Dornier 228 aircraft, and since this is also our flight test aircraft, this collaboration helps us achieve our goal of certifying our engine whilst providing an STC solution to operators worldwide.”
A Dornier 228 based at ZeroAvia’s facility in the UK is used as the dedicated development platform. ZeroAvia successfully ground-tested its 600kW powertrain, and flight testing is slated to start in the coming months to achieve certification and entry into commercial service in 2024.