ZeroAvia Secures Air Force Grant for Hydrogen-Powered Caravan

ZeroAvia is a British/American hydrogen-electric aircraft developer. It was founded in 2017 by Valery Miftakhov.

ZeroAvia

A leader in hydrogen propulsion technology, the company announced that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by an innovation division of the Air Force Research Laboratory. The grant will fund a feasibility study exploring the integration of hydrogen propulsion into a Cessna Caravan, alongside advanced aircraft automation technology. This initiative, led by AFWERX, is aimed at addressing critical research questions tied to the most pressing challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

The Air Force is particularly interested in developing an 8,000-pound autonomous aircraft powered by hydrogen, leveraging the fuel’s naturally low thermal signature and minimal noise output to enhance stealth capabilities. Additionally, ZeroAvia highlights a key strategic advantage of hydrogen aviation fuel—its ability to be produced on-site at refueling stations, provided there is a reliable supply of water and electricity. This capability is especially significant for defense operations, where logistical flexibility is crucial.