WHAT IS HAPSS?
WHAT IS HAPSS?
The HAPSS project focuses on adapting proven technologies from the automotive and maritime industries for aviation applications. Its primary aim is to integrate liquid hydrogen, fuel cells and electric motors into aviation solutions.
By 2029, the goal is to have a flying demonstrator aircraft, based on a large regional turboprop model. Conscious Aerospace is leading this initiative to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission, hydrogen-based aviation by retrofitting existing regional turboprop aircraft. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for airlines, extending the operational lifespan of current aircraft fleets while reducing emissions.
The HAPSS consortium, led by Conscious Aerospace, includes over 10 Dutch companies and institutions, each contributing specialized technologies and expertise. This collaboration aims to deliver the first fully certified hydrogen-electric solution for large regional turboprop aircraft (CS25) by the end of the decade.
The project’s key milestone will be a converted regional turboprop aircraft flying from Rotterdam The Hague Airport. This marks the beginning of the Dutch aviation sector’s effort to position itself as a leading supplier of hydrogen-electric powertrains to the global aviation market.
In the short term, HAPSS will focus on defining the aircraft system configuration for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), advancing test facility capabilities for its "Iron-Bird" testing environment, and outlining product strategies for application in the other demonstrator aircraft within the Aviation in Transition program.
This project is funded by:
And co-funded by:
The HAPSS project is financially supported by A NATIONAL INITIATIVE ‘‘AVIATION IN TRANSITION’’ AND FUNDED BY THE DUTCH NATIONAL GROWTH FUND AND COFUNDED BY the European Commission (EC)
These funding sources are dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation technologies, with a particular focus on hydrogen powertrains and smart structural components. The funding is designed to support research, development, and the creation of demonstrators that aim to drastically reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. By financing feasibility studies, R&D projects, and early-stage technological development, the National Growth Fund and EC provide critical resources for the successful execution of HAPSS, accelerating its goal to create a viable hydrogen-powered propulsion system.
The aviation in transition PROGRAM (IN DUTCH; The Luchtvaart in Transitie (LiT) program), a key pillar of this funding, is specifically aimed at supporting innovation in the Dutch aviation ecosystem.
As part of the broader National Growth Fund initiative, LiT enables collaborations between government bodies, knowledge institutions, and private industry. It offers different forms of financial support, such as feasibility study grants, knowledge and test vouchers, and subsidies for R&D projects. By fostering an environment of collaboration, LiT ensures that stakeholders can develop, test, and eventually implement new aviation technologies, positioning the Netherlands as a global leader in sustainable aviation.
Looking ahead, the future steps for HAPSS and the LiT program focus on progressing technological milestones, securing certification, and scaling up the developed technologies. The roadmap includes key deliverables like detailed design reviews, pilot lines, and demonstrators to prove the feasibility of hydrogen-powered aviation. Additionally, the LiT program will continue to provide financial support through various rounds of subsidies, ensuring that HAPSS remains on track to deliver a hydrogen-powered aircraft by the end of the decade. Collaborative efforts with regulatory authorities and partners will also play a crucial role in ensuring that the technologies meet the necessary safety, regulatory and environmental standards for widespread adoption.