Zero-emission aircraft developer Electric Aviation Group (EAG) is to set up a joint venture with the University of Nottingham to design a range of electric powertrains.
Called Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems (H2EPS), the business intends to develop and commercialise a variety of electric powertrain solutions for aerospace and non-aerospace applications – including for EAG’s own H2ERA, a 90-seat hydrogen hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Although these will cover the kW-MW-range and will be superconducting and non-superconducting designs, H2EPS will initially focus on 2MW-class propulsion systems for future hybrid, all-electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft.
The University of Nottingham has previously demonstrated aircraft propulsion drive systems up to 4MW.
EAG will “provide access to a commercially viable aircraft programme and business leadership”, while the university will supply “cutting-edge electric propulsion research expertise, capability and experience”, the partners say.
No timeline for the formation of H2EPS has been revealed, however.
EAG has previously attracted investment from lessor Falko Regional Aircraft and CityJet, in which Falko holds a controlling stake, for undisclosed amounts. James Greenstreet, founder and executive vice-president of Falko, was appointed as a non-executive director of EAG in March 2021.
