Beyond Aero, a French aerospace manufacturer, unveils its electric business aircraft designed for hydrogen propulsion for the first time at the International Paris Air Show. With a capacity of 4 to 8 passengers on board, it will be capable of reaching 1500 km.

Decarbonizing the aviation sector, starting with business aviation

Beyond Aero aims to decarbonize the aviation sector and believes that this transition can only be achieved through the adoption of innovative solutions based on electric propulsion, enhanced by hydrogen. Beyond Aero has chosen to start with business aviation, which has the greatest need for decarbonized alternatives, emitting on average 10 times more per passenger than commercial aviation. This market also has a stronger appetite for innovation and lighter certification requirements under CS23.

This first aircraft by the manufacturer, named One, is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, a system that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only liquid water as a by-product. The estimated range is 800 NM, approximately 1500 km, with a desired speed of 310 KTAS, equivalent to 575 km/h.

The company emphasizes iterative prototyping

The company follows an iterative method by retrofitting existing aircraft to increasingly powerful systems using hybrid hydrogen battery propulsion. Recently, Beyond Aero completed tests of its 85 kW scale propulsion system on its site located at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. These tests were adapted for aircraft propulsion and involved retrofitting a G1 Aviation two-seater ultralight aircraft to address technological challenges related to hydrogen, optimizing weight and addressing integration constraints. This prototype will be showcased to the public at the International Paris Air Show in their Chalet No. 270, which encompasses 144m² dedicated to the project, including models, virtual reality experiences, large screen, fuel cells, and tanks. The chalet is located near the runway for flight presentations.

A redesigned architecture around the hydrogen propulsion system

For One, Beyond Aero chose to start from a blank slate, working around the constraints of electric hydrogen propulsion. This approach is necessary to address the two main hydrogen-related challenges: storage volume and thermal management. The startup recently filed patents for these two points. The first patent concerns the placement of tanks located in a fairing under the fuselage of the aircraft, which frees up cabin space, optimizes aerodynamics, and enhances infrastructure safety. The second patent focuses on an innovative heat management system that reduces aerodynamic drag.

Beyond Aero collaborates with key stakeholders to prepare the airport infrastructure of tomorrow

As a pioneering hydrogen aviation startup, Beyond Aero announced a close collaboration with AZEA - Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation in 2022. Together, they are committed to addressing the challenges related to the infrastructure of tomorrow's aviation, from production to distribution, transportation, and storage of gaseous and liquid hydrogen. Beyond Aero has also established strategic partnerships with major French and European airports, the details of which will be revealed during a press conference at Le Bourget on Wednesday, June 21. Beyond Aero's initial objective is to implement these initiatives in European airports before expanding them to the United States. This approach aims to ensure a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable aviation for the future of the aerospace industry.