Universal Hydrogen Lands Order For 20 Turboprop Conversions
Source: Michael Doran | · SIMPLE FLYING · | July 22, 2022
Hydrogen-powered regional aircraft are getting closer, with Universal Hydrogen adding another 20 firm orders for its turboprop conversion kits.
Source: Universal Hydrogen has developed hydrogen conversion kits for ATR 72 and De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, helped by its own aircraft. Photo: Universal Hydrogen
US company Universal Hydrogen has received a firm order to convert 20 regional aircraft to run on green hydrogen. The order is from Canadian aviation firm Avmax, a regional aircraft lessor, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) engineering house and a global aircraft operator.
Universal Hydrogen (Universal) targets regional and narrowbody/single-aisle airplanes as the most attractive opportunities for hydrogen projects. It has developed hydrogen conversion kits for the ATR 72-600 and the De Havilland Dash 8, allowing Avmax to select between the two aircraft types for its 20 conversions.
Canada has the world's largest fleet of turboprops, with around 300 De Havilland Dash 8s and 50 ATRs flying to more than 120 airports. Universal co-founder and CEO Paul Eremenko said:
"As air travel volumes return to pre-pandemic levels, expansive nations like Canada are revitalizing regional routes to reconnect communities and spur economic activity. We're excited to collaborate with Avmax to bring hydrogen to Canadian skies."
Universal is not the only technology company looking at novel ways to power Dash 8s and ATRs, but it does have a strong point of difference. It has taken on the task of developing a hydrogen-fuel distribution network, and will provide the hydrogen fuel to power Avmax's leased and owned fleets. Where to safely store the liquid hydrogen onboard the aircraft is a challenge, which Universal solved by using aluminum to make the cryogenic liquid hydrogen tanks. However, it will likely use lighter composite materials to store and transport gaseous hydrogen, which does not need to be kept at cryogenic temperatures.