The Swiss start-up Sirius Aviation unveiled the Sirius Jet, the world’s first hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This aircraft uses liquid hydrogen propulsion, offering a maximum range of 1,150 miles (1,850 km) and speeds of up to 323 miles (520 km/h). A reason for these achievements is the energy density of liquid hydrogen without adding any additional weight to the aircraft.
This hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft features longer range, speed, and silent operations, aiming for zero-emission transport. The company also collaborates with BMW’s Designworks and Sauber Group for the Sirius VTOL, and with its features, it exceeds other competitors such as the Lilium eVTOL jet. Furthermore, the generated noise is around 95% less than that from a helicopter. Other features also include increased safety assurance as a result of the Sirius Jet’s Emergency Parachute System, deployed in case of an emergency.
In a news release, the company also mentions that “While hydrogen is a promising path toward achieving clean short-range and regional aviation, many challenges remain to overcome before it can be widely adopted. The use of liquid hydrogen, in particular, poses significant logistical and technological hurdles due to the need to keep it at extremely low temperatures throughout the distribution and flight process.”
The jet is presented in two options: the Sirius Business Jet (up to three passengers and suitable for high altitudes) and the Sirius Millennium Jet (designed for commercial use and up to five passengers). Both have the same speed, ultra-low noise levels, and altitude capabilities, although the Sirius Millennium Jet features a reduced flight range.
This latest jet is the result of research and development by over 100 engineers since 2021. The first test flights are scheduled for 2025. Full certification is planned to be obtained in 2026, after which deliveries and shuttle flights are expected to begin in 2028. The certification process with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also started.
