Beyond Aero unveils refined hydrogen-electric light jet

These refinements mark a significant step toward certification and commercialisation for the first certified hydrogen-electric light jet.

Key engineering advancements and design drivers

Since introducing the initial concept at Le Bourget, France, in June 2023, Beyond Aero has made refinements to de-risk hydrogen powerplan and accelerate certification and industrialisation. The BYA-1 is the first electric light jet designed for hydrogen propulsion, featuring a clean-sheet architecture optimised for gaseous hydrogen.

Key design enhancements include:

• Battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with built-in redundancy: the modular architecture, featuring two electric engines powered by independent powerplant channels, enhances failure resilience and scalability while meeting industry safety standards. The fuel cell stack capacity has been increased to 2.4 MW.
• Optimised gaseous hydrogen tank placement for enhanced safety: the 700 bar fuel tanks are integrated above the wing box structure, improving crashworthiness. By eliminating high-pressure fuel lines inside the pressurised cabin, this design minimises risk and aligns with aerospace safety protocols.
• Advanced thermal management system for electric ducted fans: integrated electric ducted fans (EDF) optimise propulsion efficiency and performance under extreme conditions. A custom-designed full authority digital engine control (FADEC) ensures precise performance across all flight phases. This system will be certified under a TC Engine framework, establishing a new benchmark in electric propulsion.

These engineering decisions also result in significantly lower maintenance and operational costs. The BYA-I light jet benefits from a simplified all-electric powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for a high-temperature turbine, and proposes a modular engine swap system for streamlined overhaul. This design lowers maintenance complexity, cutting operational costs by up to 55% while ensuring reliability for business jet operators. Hydrogen fuel is expected to cut fuel costs by 65% compared to power-to-liquid sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2025 and 17% compared to Jet A-1 by 2030, making it a cost-efficient option for corporate clients and operators transitioning to lower-carbon aviation.

Advancing certification: a structured pathway to approval

Beyond Aero is working with EASA on regulatory approvals, ensuring its aircraft meets stringent safety and certification standards. Since submitting its design organisation approval (DOA) application in April 2024, Beyond Aero has progressed through EASA’s pre-application services, and is currently defining a certification framework for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Walter Filho, Head of Certification at Beyond Aero, said: “Working closely with EASA, we are shaping regulatory pathways that will enable the safe and efficient adoption of hydrogen propulsion in aviation.”

With CS-23 regulations not yet accounting for hydrogen-powered aircraft, Beyond Aero is collaborating with EASA to establish a special condition tailored to its technology.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/18032025/beyond-aero-unveils-refined-hydrogen-electric-light-jet/