Collaborating With Stralis To Integrate System Into Demo Project

McClellan, California-based Aviate Enterprises announced at this week’s EAA AirVenture airshow and fly-in they will be the U.S. launch customer for Australian clean-tech startup Stralis Aircraft. The companies will collaborate on developing the first hydrogen-electric Beechcraft Bonanza A36-HE demonstration project in the U.S.

The hydrogen-electric aircraft will outperform battery and fossil fuel aircraft on payload and range. The Stralis hydrogen-electric propulsion system, or HEPS, uses high-temperature PEM fuel cells that are 6X lighter and have improved performance and require less maintenance with operational cost savings.

The propulsion system is also quieter and emission-free, discharging only water vapor.

Stralis is testing the HEPS with two Bonanza A36 aircraft in Australia, replacing the piston engines with its proprietary fuel cell system, liquid H2 tanks, and electric motors. The company has successfully ground-tested and had first propeller spin at Brisbane International Airport (BNE/YBBN) in 2024. The first test flight is slated for later this year.

Bob Criner, CEO and Co-Founder of Stralis Aircraft said, “Tim and the team at Aviate Enterprises are exactly the type of trailblazers we need to make hydrogen-electric flight possible. We are excited to help them become the first to upgrade their aircraft with a Stralis hydrogen-electric propulsion system in the United States.

“The Bonanza is an iconic and much-loved aircraft, and as 100LL fuel becomes increasingly challenging to access and owners face overhauls, now is an opportune time to begin the transition to a clean fuel and propulsion system.”

Timothy Devine, Founder and President of Aviate Enterprises, Inc. said, “What we are doing is like 3 April 1973 - the date of the first cell phone call made in the world. We are going to change the world of Aviation with hydrogen fuelled aircraft. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and it is clean and green.”

FMI:  www.aviateinc.com/ , www.stralis.aero/