Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) has secured German start-up Evia Aero as a potential launch customer for the hydrogen fuel cell conversion kit it is developing for the Britten-Norman BN2 Islander.
Under a letter of intent, Bremen-based Evia Aero plans to acquire 10 conversion kits for the nine-seat BN2.
No details of the contract value or delivery timelines were revealed, however. CAeS has previously indicated it hopes to obtain a supplemental type certificate for the modification in 2025.
Evia Aero could take new aircraft with the conversion already performed by Britten-Norman, or acquire second-hand examples for retrofit.
Florian Kruse, Evia Aero founder, says the zero-emission aircraft support its plans to develop sustainable aviation services in northern Europe.
“By working closely with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and their quickly evolving hydrogen aircraft solution, combined with our commercial knowledge of the markets in Europe, Evia Aero is excited about the future and the application of this aircraft to fulfil an emerging need.”
The latest pact follows an agreement signed on 16 June to collaborate on developing hydrogen-powered aircraft operations and the infrastructure required.
CAeS is working towards a 2023 first flight of the modified Islander (G-HYUK) and is on course to start bench and ground testing this year. Development work is part-funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute under the CAeS-led Project Fresson.
