Stralis Aircraft, Hydrogen-Electric Bonanza Flight Demonstrator
R&D Focus Areas:
Mobility
Lead Organisation:
Stralis Aircraft
Partners:
Hydrogen Flight Alliance, Aviation Australia, iMOVE CRC, Aviation Australia, H3X
Queensland University of Technology (QUT – through iMOVE CRC related project)
Status:
Active
Start date:
January 2023
Completion date:
June 2026
Key contacts:
Dr Emma Whittlesea, Head of Partnerships, Stralis Aircraft
info@stralis.aero
Funding:
Angel Investors, Venture Capital, iMOVE CRC.
Project total cost:
AUD$7,000,000
Project summary description:
Stralis Aircraft are designing and building hydrogen-electric powertrain systems and fixed wing aircraft, starting with a retrofit of a A36 Bonanza aircraft. The Bonanza A36-HE project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-electric propulsion and use of liquid hydrogen in aircraft.
The learning and findings from this demonstration project will feed directly into the retrofit of a B1900D 19-seat aircraft and will be the first Stralis product to market seeking Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) certification. The aircraft will be high-performance, low-operating cost, and zero emission other than water vapour.
The Bonanza flight demonstration project comprises:
- HEPS Aircraft Simulink Modelling
- Fuel Cell System Design & Test
- HEPS and Bonanza Concept Design, Aircraft Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Phase
- Final Detailed Design, Build and testing of A36-HE Bonanza “Clyde” (ground testbed)
- Refurbishment and upgrade of A36-HE Bonanza “Bonnie”, and HEPS Installation (flying testbed)
- Experimental Flight Test Campaign
- Completion of knowledge sharing reports, including lessons learnt and key milestones throughout the project.
Related publications and key links:
iMOVE project – Simulation and Modelling of a Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft
Flight Plan – Stralis Aircraft
Hydrogen Flight Alliance
Higher degree studies supported:
Internships and thesis projects from QUT, Griffith University, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
May 2024