Advancing Hydrogen-Electric Flight in Australia

Stralis Aircraft is developing high-performance, low-operating cost, emission-free, hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and aircraft. Stralis are integrating their proprietary fuel cell system, hydrogen tanks and electric motors into existing aircraft, replacing the original engine and are starting with an iconic Bonanza A36-HE, their technology demonstrator. They will then scale up to the Beech 1900D-HE aircraft which will be able to fly 15 passengers. The hydrogen-electric propulsion systems can be used for aircraft battery replacement, retrofit airframes, and new clean sheet designs.

While the technology is optimised for aircraft, their scalable solution can also power long-range drones, rail, shipping or operate heavy duty vehicles in harsh environments. Stralis is already testing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems on their aircraft and the team plan to undertake the first hydrogen-electric flight in Australia late 2025. The fuel will be green hydrogen, made from water and renewable electricity, and the only emission released from the fuel cell is water vapour. The technology could cut aviation emissions by 50%.

About the presenter:

Dr Emma Whittlesea is the Head of Partnerships for Stralis Aircraft and helped set up and facilitate the Hydrogen Flight Alliance in Australia, working to advance hydrogen-electric propulsion and aircraft. Previous roles include executive leadership for Griffith University’s Climate Ready Initiative, and Principal Policy Officer in the Climate Transitions Team for the Queensland Government. She has over 25 years’ experience in the public, private and academic sectors in the UK, Europe, and Australia, progressing partnerships and projects to advance environmental sustainability in the transport and tourism sectors. This includes being a co-author of the Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy and convenor of Griffith’s Aviation Reimagined – Decarbonising Flight Webinar Series.

• Email: info@stralis.aero
• Website: https://www.stralis.aero/
• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/stralis-aircraft

Enquiries

For more information about the seminar and link to the online presentation, please contact us via getco2@uq.edu.au