The Swiss clean-energy aviation company JEKTA has announced a partnership with ZeroAvia, a fuel-cell powertrain developer, to extend the range and payload capacity of the upcoming Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Mission 100 (PHA-ZE 100).
For the past few years, the amphibious aircraft has been designed with a battery-electric powertrain. PHA-ZE 100 consists of 10 electric motors/props at 180 kW with each spreading over the roof-mounted wings for a cruising speed of 135 knots (155 mph) and quick-charge battery blocks that are enough for one-hour hops along with 30 minutes in reserve to cope with unforeseen flight plan changes.
Moreover, the amphibious passenger aircraft can accommodate up to 19 passengers and 3 crew members, using lightweight materials for the interior such as cork, natural fiber composites, and vegan leather.
There’s also a four-seat VIP model with a salon and an executive version with four premium seats and nine economy seats. Not only that, it can also operate as an ambulance or cargo carrier, serving those in far-flung locations.
According to JEKTA, the PHA-ZE 100 can shuttle people with less noise and pollution than gas-powered aircraft. When compared with traditional competitors, it may have less effect on the environment than other aircraft as water takeoffs and landings help to reduce the need for airports.
Under the new partnership, JAKTA and Zerovia are going to develop an integrated fuel-cell power generation system for the PHA-ZE 100, including electronics, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel system, turning hydrogen into electricity to power the motors.
The new system aims to enable the seaplane’s range up to 600 km and larger payloads up to 1,000 kilograms. According to JAKTA, this also helps to lower operating and maintenance costs.
Although the project timeline hasn’t been revealed, ZeroAvia has made some good headway on the project. The British-American company has its own 19-seat technology demonstrator in the air using its hydrogen-electric powertrain (ZA600), meaning the system will be further tested and refined before it’s added to the PHA-ZE 100.
JAKTA is on its way to finishing its product to obtain FAR-23 in the US and CS-23 certification in Europe. The first amphibious aircraft PHA-ZE 100 is estimated to be delivered to clients in 2029.
