ZeroAvia and Marshall Aerospace target hydrogen-electric defence aircraft

ZeroAvia and Marshall Aerospace have signed a collaboration agreement to explore hydrogen-electric propulsion and power systems for defence platforms.

The agreement brings together ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion technology with Marshall Aerospace’s expertise in military aircraft modification, integration, certification and complex fuel systems. The companies said the work will focus on scalable, mission-ready hydrogen-electric power and propulsion solutions for defence customers across both new and existing aircraft platforms.

The collaboration will examine areas including hydrogen storage and distribution, aircraft systems integration, thermal management, weight and balance, safety, certification and through-life support.

Hydrogen-electric propulsion for defence aircraft

ZeroAvia and Marshall said the initiative is intended to help create a pathway from technology maturity to operational capability.

Initial work will focus on identifying the highest-impact defence applications for hydrogen-electric systems. Priority areas include uncrewed aerial systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, logistics, training and special mission platforms.

The companies said hydrogen-electric propulsion could offer advantages in applications where battery-only systems face range, payload and endurance limitations. Potential benefits include improved endurance, lower acoustic and thermal signatures, reduced lifecycle costs and greater flexibility across different mission types.

Christine Ourmières-Widener, executive chair of ZeroAvia, said: “This collaboration is about translating the promise of hydrogen-electric propulsion and power into real operational capability for military users.

“Many military applications require greater endurance, lower thermal signatures and improved operational flexibility than existing electric propulsion technologies can provide today.”

Marshall to support integration and certification

Marshall Aerospace will draw on its experience in modifying and supporting military aircraft to help assess how hydrogen-electric systems could be integrated to meet defence performance, safety and certification requirements.

Bob Baxter, chief executive of Marshall Aerospace, said: “We are excited to work with ZeroAvia to provide a clear and credible pathway for military operators to exploit the benefits of hydrogen-electric flight.

“With our deep experience in complex aircraft modification and certification, we are well-positioned to help translate this transformational technology into operational capability for defence customers.”

ZeroAvia has already completed flight tests and regulatory milestones with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the US Federal Aviation Administration. The company said it has secured more than 3,000 pre-orders for its ZA600 and ZA2000 propulsion systems from airlines, OEMs and defence customers worldwide.

The companies expect to expand their joint work towards specific platform programmes and deployment initiatives as they develop the collaboration.