H3 and Kite team up for hydrogen fuel cell powered electric aviation

Toulouse, France-based H3 Dynamics and Melbourne-based electric aviation motor manufacturer Kite Magnetics have joined forces to develop cutting-edge hydrogen-electric propulsion system for the aviation sector.

The collaboration aims to support aircraft manufacturers in adopting new green hydrogen and electric technologies and accelerating the development of advanced aero-compliant systems.

Founder and CEO of Kite Magnetics Dr Richard Parsons said: “By bringing together our two world leading technologies we are enabling emissions free aircraft to not only fly further but to also carry more.”

Earlier this year, Kite Magnetics, which is nominated in @AuManufacturing’s search to identify Australia’s 50 most innovative manufacturers, unveiled its air-cooled 120kW electric motor.

Based on a unique new magnetic material called Aeroperm, the state-of-the-art motor exhibits world-class performance, exceptional lightweight characteristics, and surpasses the efficiency of conventional technologies.

Drawing on its 15 years expertise in hydrogen electric flight endurance research, H3 Dynamics has been developing a distributed nacelle-based hydrogen-electric power system at its Toulouse location.

This innovative solution, integrated with a network of pods including hydrogen storage, ensures long-endurance power during flight while enhancing system safety, aircraft control, and facilitating maintenance and repair operations.

In the upcoming months, H3 Dynamics and Kite Magnetics plan to assemble a full scale system and conduct dedicated aeronautics tests in collaboration with aircraft manufacturers.

These efforts will pave the way for obtaining flight permissions and enable the commercialisation of their technology.

The propulsor nacelles and derived products developed through this collaboration have diverse applications, ranging from small sensing drones to unmanned heavy cargo platforms, airships, business jets, general aviation airplanes, and future commercial aircraft.

Founder and CEO of H3 Dynamics Taras Wankewycz said” “We firmly believe that fostering the right environment and alliances will empower the aeronautics industry to expedite its transformation with the most optimized and mature solutions.

This is a global endeavor, and our strength lies in unity”.

Further reading:
Nominations flood in for Australia’s 50 most innovative manufacturers campaign
Kite Magnetics launches light and powerful electric aircraft motor

Image: Kite Magnetics