Swiss start-up Destinus has been selected by the Spanish Ministry of Science for a strategic initiative. As part of this initiative, Destinus will receive funding to develop and research a hydrogen-based supersonic aircraft.
Destinus has been working on a hydrogen-powered passenger plane for years. The plane should be able to fly at supersonic speeds. This should allow a flight from Europe to Australia to be completed in just four.
Suitable for conventional airports
The aircraft the start-up is developing is fully powered by hydrogen. It is suitable for both passenger and cargo flights. The aircraft should be suitable for conventional airports, which should facilitate its embrace. In addition, Destinus promises low noise production, which could reduce the nuisance experienced by residents living near airports.
Destinus aims to fly its aircraft at an altitude of more than 30km. In doing so, they reach a speed of mach 5. The high altitude allows the aircraft to 'hover' during the last part of its flight. As a result, it moves forward without the need for fuel.
Environmentally friendly
Among other things, the start-up points to the environmentally friendly nature of hydrogen as a fuel. For instance, hydrogen is derived from water, with electrolysis separating hydrogen and oxygen. When hydrogen is burned, the main by-products are heat and water. Destinus also points to the rapidly falling production costs of hydrogen, which makes the fuel increasingly attractive.
The Swiss start-up has been selected by the Spanish Ministry of Science to participate in a strategic initiative. This initiative is part of the ministry's Plan de Tecnologías Aeronáuticas (PTA).
15 million euro grant
As part of this initiative, Destinus will be awarded funding for both development and research. In total, the start-up will be allocated 15 million euros in funding. For instance, the ministry is providing funds for the development of a test facility for air-driven hydrogen engines in the Madrid area. Destinus is involved in the design and development of this site.
The ministry is also providing funding for research into liquid hydrogen-based propulsion. Central to this is the testing of innovative propulsion systems for future supersonic aircraft.
Engine testing
Using this money, Destinus plans to test a so-called 'H2 post-combustor jet engine'. It also wants to further explore its hydrogen-based propulsion technology. "We are delighted to have been awarded these grants, especially as they are a clear sign that Destinus is aligned with Spain's and Europe's strategic courses for promoting hydrogen flights," said Davide Bonetti, VP Business Development and Products for Destinus.
"For deep-tech companies like us, access to these EU recovery funds is essential to carry out cutting-edge research and accelerate the innovation needed to be globally competitive. With these grants, hydrogen-based aviation mobility solutions will be one step closer to becoming a reality."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: rony michaud via Pixabay
