The BYA-1 First Clean-Sheet Gaseous Hydrogen-Electric Light Jet

Beyond Aero announced the unveiling of a modified design concept incorporating significant engineering advancements for its light jet to move forward toward certification and commercialization.

The Toulouse, France-based aircraft manufacturer introduced refinements to reduce the risk of the hydrogen-gas fuel tanks in its BYA-1, the first clean-sheet hydrogen-electric jet design optimized for the use of gaseous hydrogen.

The design mods lower maintenance and operational costs, with an all-electric powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts, elimination of the need for a high-temperature turbine, and a modular engine-swap system.

The hydrogen fuel is expected to lower fuel cost by 65% vs SAFs by 2025 and 17% vs Jet -1 by 2030.

The key design modifications are:

Gaseous hydrogen tank placement: The 700-bar fuel tanks are installed above the wing box structure, eliminating high-pressure fuel lines inside the pressurized cabin.

Battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with built-in redundancy: The modular architecture features two electric engines powered by independent powerplant channels. The fuel cell stack capacity has increased to 2.4MW.

Thermal management system for electric ducted fans: The system includes integrated electric ducted fans and a FADEC system to be certified under a TC Engine framework.

Beyond Aero is actively working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or EASA, on gaining regulatory approval to ensure its safety and certification standards. The company is currently in the process of defining a certification framework for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

FMI:  www.beyond-aero.com/