Project H2 – A zero-emissions future

Sustainable, climate-neutral, efficient air travel: In the hope of achieving that goal, students involved in “Project H2” at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) are currently researching the feasibility of using a hydrogen-powered propulsion system in light aircraft. The project is organized by the Cellsius association and supported by Pilatus in connection with ongoing efforts to promote sustainability.

For some years now, the ETH Zürich has organized focus projects on its mechanical and electrical engineering programs. They offer particularly committed students a platform for combining environmental protection, technological progress and practical applications, and for testing sustainable solutions – for zero-emissions aviation, for example. Besides providing a welcome change from sometimes rather theory-heavy lectures, the budding engineers who are involved in these projects also get to apply the skills they have learned to highly complex products, gaining valuable experience in the areas of team leadership, innovation and quality management, as well as cost and risk control – which will undoubtedly be useful in later working life.

Project H2

“Project H2”, which focuses on powering the “Sling High Wing” light aircraft with a hydrogen system, has been underway for just over three years. Thanks to the high energy density of hydrogen, the aircraft should be able to fly for approximately two hours with a range of up to 186 miles (300 kilometers). Furthermore, no CO2 or nitrogen oxides will be emitted during flight – another milestone for sustainable aviation. The ultimate goal of “Project H2” is to fly over the Alps from Dübendorf to Locarno.

The students designed the majority of the components themselves to achieve the highest possible compatibility and the lowest possible weight, thereby maximizing the aircraft range and efficiency. Each component is thoroughly tested in order to meet strict aviation requirements.

Urs Frischknecht, Project Manager – Technologies, explains how Pilatus was very keen to support this group of committed young engineers. “Pilatus is investing in technologies to make the future of flight more sustainable – including hydrogen-powered fuel cell systems. As a partner and sponsor, we have a direct insight into the project, giving us a better understanding of fuel cell systems and the potential to develop similar propulsion systems for our ‘Pilatus Class’ aircraft in the future.” Naturally, the students also benefit from the partnership with Pilatus. “It is my job to ask critical questions and contribute Pilatus expertise in the field of aircraft design”, explains Urs Frischknecht, adding: “I spend one day a week on site in Dübendorf working on the project with the students.”

Over the past year of the project, the students planned, implemented and successfully tested the hydrogen system. The current year is devoted to optimizing the entire electrical propulsion system and installing all components in the aircraft before intensive testing on the ground can start. If everything goes according to plan, the hydrogen- powered “Sling High Wing” will make its maiden flight before the end of 2025.