ZeroAvia to deliver its first EPS to Jetcruzer
Image courtesy ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia today announced that it has agreed a deal for the first sale of its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) to Jetcruzer International for electric flight testing to hone the design of its Jetcruzer 500E.
ZeroAvia has secured well in excess of 2,000 pre-orders for its full hydrogen-electric powertrains from commercial airlines and last year the company launched a component offering to serve the market for novel electric air transport applications.
ZeroAvia’s 600kW EPS has just received an FAA G-1 issue paper outlining the basis of certification. The system comprises the company’s proprietary inverter and electric motor technology to deliver a highly efficient electric engine with exceptional fault tolerance and specific power. The 600kW EPS system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply ZeroAvia’s direct drive motor, capable of 2,200 rpm.
ZeroAvia has opened a 136k sq ft Propulsion Center of Excellence in Everett, WA to produce the electric propulsion systems for its own full hydrogen-electric powertrains and for aircraft OEMs like Jetcruzer.
Jetcruzer International is developing the Jetcruzer 500E, a six-seat hydrogen-electric aircraft, with an entry-into-service target of 2028, followed by the 1250E in 2030. ZeroAvia’s EPS system will be integrated into flight testing using a redesigned and rebuilt Jetcruzer 500 as a testbed for the new electric aircraft. Originally conceived in the 1990s as a cost-effective air transport solution, the Jetcruzer 500 achieved significant FAA certification milestones but never reached production. Jetcruzer International acquired the intellectual property in 2017 and has since been dedicated to advancing a new era of sustainable aviation.
The Jetcruzer 500E is set to become one of the first aircraft with a type certificate to successfully fly with an all-electric propulsion system. This collaboration with ZeroAvia underscores Jetcruzer International’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility. Delivery of the development unit EPS is expected this spring.
Sergey Kiselev, Chief Business Officer, ZeroAvia, said: “It is exciting that our first sale of the 600kW EPS as a standalone unit will support a project with simultaneously a rich history and a bright future. Our commitment to deep vertical integration in development of our full powertrain technology is paying off as we have amassed a range of IP and a portfolio of valuable fuel cell and electric propulsion components that have a strong market in their own right.”
Victor Tao, Chief Executive Officer, Jetcruzer International, said: “Sustainable aviation is the future and we are thrilled to take a leadership role in advancing this vision. The electrification of the Jetcruzer 500E represents a bold step forward in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high performance and efficiency our customers expect. Partnering with ZeroAvia, a proven leader in zero-emission propulsion technology, reinforces our commitment to pioneering clean aviation solutions.
"We are excited to embark on this journey with ZeroAvia, a company that has demonstrated remarkable expertise in sustainable aviation technology. Their cutting-edge electric propulsion solutions align perfectly with our vision, and we look forward to working closely with them throughout this process."
As the aviation industry continues its transition toward greener solutions, the Jetcruzer 500E stands as a testament to what is possible when industry leaders come together with a shared commitment to sustainability.
ZeroAvia has already extensively tested a prototype of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft. The company has also performed advanced ground tests for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system for 40-80 seat aircraft, including proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cells and electric motor designs.
