H2FlyGHT (Hybrid Hydrogen Flying cryoGenic tecHnology demonstraTor)

H2FlyGHT is a strategic industrial research programme as part of an international flight demonstration programme led by Embraer with an objective to develop and test a fully integrated liquid hydrogen fuel system, fuel cell power generation system and cryogenic electrical propulsion system for the next generation of zero emission aircraft. The H2FlyGHT programme is led by a UK based consortium of major aerospace suppliers.

The 5-year programme aims to grow the UK aerospace industry while responding to the government's Net Zero Strategy carbon emission target for commercial aircraft by 2050 (the "Jet Zero" ambition) building upon market leading existing technology development programmes H2GEAR and HyFIVE. The scope of H2FlyGHT delivers a scalable fuel and propulsion system validated to TRL6

TRL6- ground demonstration of LH2 fuel system with key technology maturity and advanced systems integration. The programme includes the storage, conveyance, indication, venting and fuelling of LH2 to enable both Hydrogen Electric Propulsion (HEP) and Hydrogen Combustion (HC) powered Commuter, Regional, Narrow-Body and Business Jet aircraft.

GKN Aerospace, Parker-Meggitt and Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace are uniting their 150+ years of aerospace experience under the H2FlyGHT programme. This consortium of the nation's leading aerospace businesses are collaborating, with the support of the ATI, to complete this important research and development work in the UK and build on the existing expertise around aerospace hydrogen electric aircraft and cryogenic science.

The recent acquisition of Meggitt plc by Parker Hannifin adds significant experience and strength to the consortium's capabilities.

A network of SMEs and academic partners bring specialist liquid hydrogen domain products and knowledge to the H2FlyGHT project. Over the course of the programme, H2FlyGHT will further support acceleration within the growing UK hydrogen industry through open calls for innovation, in a dynamic and emerging market space, and by feeding requirements into the SME supply chain.

The H2FLyGHT team will work in parallel with key regulatory frameworks and infrastructure projects, including the ATI's Hydrogen Capability Network to ensure the UK maximises the gains from this significant industrial research project. This will also support the wider hydrogen ecosystem, enabling the results of H2FlyGHT to be of scaling value to the UK aerospace industry and broader economy.

The programme is primed to solve the significant technical, safety, certification and industrialisation challenges associated with the application of LH2 in aviation and those identified by the UK Government's Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) FlyZero programme and subsequent 'Destination Zero' strategy.