ZeroAvia set to sell first novel electric engine to Jetcruzer
ZeroAvia has agreed a deal for the first sale of its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) to Jetcruzer International.
Expected to be delivered this spring, the EPS will be integrated into Jetcruzer’s 500E aircraft ahead of a first flight test campaign. Targeted for service entry in 2028, the 500E was first conceived as a six-seat, fixed-wing, single engine gas turbine aircraft back in the 1980s, known as the Jetcruzer 500.
Despite decades of development, the 500 and the larger 1250 variant never entered production. The company was closed in 2004 and remained shut until 2016 when it was bought (along with all intellectual property) by Victor Tao. Now CEO, Tao made the pivot to hydrogen-electric propulsion.
“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,” he said. “Partnering with ZeroAvia, a proven leader in zero-emission propulsion technology, reinforces our commitment to pioneering clean aviation solutions.”
ZeroAvia launched its EPS for novel electric air platforms last year, following its success in attracting pre-orders for its full hydrogen-electric powertrains from commercial airlines — in excess of the 2,000.
The 600kW EPS has received an FAA G-1 issue paper outlining the basis of certification. The system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters converting DC power to AC to supply a direct drive motor, capable of 2,200 rpm.
Sergey Kiselev, chief business officer at 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.”
The company has opened a 136,000sqft facility dedicated to propulsion systems development in Everett, Washington, US to produce the electric propulsion systems for its own full hydrogen-electric powertrains and for OEMs like Jetcruzer.
The EPS system will be integrated into a redesigned Jetcruzer 500 which will act as a testbed for the new electric aircraft. If certification is achieved the 500E will become one of the first aircraft with a type certificate to successfully fly with an all-electric propulsion system. Jetcruzer has prior with the FAA, the 500 was the first aircraft design to achieve a spin-resistance certification from the US regulator.
Tao added: “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.”
