Cranfield Aerospace and Britten-Norman merger could offer bright future

An interesting development in zero-emission aviation is coming from the UK today. Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and small airframer Britten-Norman announced their intention to merge and become a global leader in small, zero-emission aircraft. For now, the two have signed a Head of Terms agreement, but subject to due diligence, the merger should be completed by the middle of this year. Cranfield Aerospace and Britten-Norman merger could offer bright future.

While surprising at first sight, the merger makes a lot of sense. Cranfield Aerospace, which has its roots in the renowned Cranfield University with its aviation heritage, and UK plane maker Britten-Norman have been collaborating for two years on Project Fresson. With Britten-Norman providing the trusted Islander nine-seater as a platform, Cranfield Aerospace is converting the aircraft and fitting in a hydrogen-electric fuel cell system.

The aircraft will be a 6-8 seater with a 200 kilometer-range and endurance of sixty minutes. Two 220 kiloWatt electric motors power the aircraft that get electricity from two 240 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems that are positioned in the nacelles, together with the heat exchanger, inverter controllers, and other equipment. Gaseous hydrogen is carried in two tanks under the wings.