ZeroAvia has announced a new partnership with the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to utilize its specialized liquid hydrogen testing grounds for the development of next-generation aviation fuel systems. The deal outlines a framework where ZeroAvia will provide design guidance before embarking on an extensive testing phase at its state-of-the-art facility.
All eyes will be on ZeroAvia’s Liquid Hydrogen Test Centre (LHTC) in Gloucestershire, UK, where the multi-year project will unfold. Built to support the company’s own aircraft development, the center is a unique asset in the aerospace industry, fully equipped to meet rigorous ATEX and DSEAR safety directives. Its design allows engineers to safely simulate real-world conditions while mitigating the inherent risks of cryogenic fuel handling.
The program is structured to take a storage system prototype through incremental design improvements, with performance and safety data being collected at each juncture. The final milestone will be a rigorous full-system ground test, validating the technology for potential flight applications.
John Gallagher, Head of Hydrogen Management Systems at ZeroAvia, highlighted the global significance of the facility. He remarked that the team and infrastructure at ZeroAvia provide an unmatched capability for comprehensive testing of LH2 systems, from individual components to complete storage solutions. “This partnership with KAERI promises to advance liquid hydrogen aviation capabilities significantly,” Gallagher said, welcoming the Korean researchers to the UK site for what promises to be a transformative project for the sector.
