TECHNOLOGY & PROGRESS
The Hydrogen Aircraft Powertrain and Storage Systems (HAPSS) project is advancing rapidly with a clear focus on integrating hydrogen propulsion systems into existing aircraft. Conscious Aerospace, as the leader of this effort, is working to revolutionize the aviation industry by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency through hydrogen fuel cell technology. These systems provide a scalable and modular solution, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional jet engines while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence.
The project has followed a structured development timeline, starting with the founding of the HAPSS consortium in 2022 and the initiation of construction in 2023. The Architecture Design Review (ADR) was completed by mid-2024, providing the framework for the system’s technological architecture. The next major milestone will be the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), followed by the Critical Design Review (CDR), which will finalize the design for hydrogen-powered propulsion systems. Conscious Aerospace’s commitment to integrating aircraft certification and regulatory compliance from the outset is critical to the project's success.
Looking ahead, the project aims to reach Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7) by 2028, positioning it for operational testing in real-world environments. By the end of the decade, Conscious Aerospace plans to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen-based propulsion with a converted regional turboprop aircraft flying from Rotterdam The Hague Airport. This flight will represent the first step towards establishing the Dutch aviation industry as a Tier-1 supplier of hydrogen-electric powertrains, contributing to a sustainable future for global aviation. Conscious Aerospace's leadership in this field will help ensure that hydrogen propulsion systems become a certified, reliable, and commercially viable solution for the aviation sector’s transition to carbon neutrality.
The Future of Aviation: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrains
At HAPSS, we are developing groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains that will set new standards in aviation. Conscious Aerospace is leading the way, working to retrofit existing regional aircraft like the Dash 8-300 with hydrogen propulsion systems. This project is divided into six work packages that ensure a systematic and thorough development process, from system design to production testing and certification.
GOALS:
System Development (1.8MW): Defining the technical specifications for the electric drive, hydrogen storage, control systems, and thermal management.
Technology Development & Optimization: Creating new technologies and refining existing systems for the HAPSS powertrain.
Production & Testing Facilities: Designing and building the infrastructure necessary for production and testing.
Organizational Strategy: Establishing management frameworks and processes to ensure smooth project execution.
Certification & Accreditation: Developing certification plans to meet evolving regulatory requirements for hydrogen-based aviation systems.
Project Management: Overseeing the technical and operational aspects to ensure the project remains on schedule and within budget.
Key Milestones:
2022: HAPSS consortium founded, project launched.
2024: Architecture Design Review (ADR).
2025-2026: Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
2026-2027: Detailed Design and Critical Design Review (CDR).
2028-2029: Achieving Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7), paving the way for full-scale testing and certification.
2029+: Demonstration flight from Rotterdam The Hague Airport using a retrofitted Dash 8-300, marking the first step toward widespread adoption of hydrogen-electric powertrains.