Brisbane-based Stralis Aircraft has completed a groundbreaking hydrogen-electric propeller spin test on their ground-demonstrator aircraft “Clyde” at Brisbane Airport. This marks the first such test conducted on a registered aircraft at an international airport in the Southern Hemisphere.
Key Achievements of the Hydrogen-Electric Test
- Successfully powered propeller using fuel cells and gaseous hydrogen
- Produced only water vapor as emission
- Conducted safely within Brisbane Airport’s controlled environment
- Developed comprehensive hydrogen safety processes and compliance protocols
Impact on Aviation Sustainability
The aviation industry faces significant challenges in meeting IATA Net Zero carbon reduction targets by 2050. Australia’s geographic isolation results in higher per capita CO₂-e emissions from both international and domestic flights. Stralis Aircraft’s hydrogen-electric technology offers a practical solution to this challenge.
Technical and Economic Benefits
The hydrogen-electric propulsion system delivers multiple advantages:
- Zero carbon emissions during operation
- 50% reduction in operating costs compared to conventional JetA fuel
- Significant savings on engine maintenance
- Quieter operation than traditional aircraft engines
Commercial Implementation Timeline
The successful test on “Clyde” paves the way for the next phase of development. Stralis plans to conduct Australia’s first hydrogen-electric flight in 2025 using “Bonnie,” their experimental flight-demonstrator Bonanza A36 aircraft.
Industry Support and Partnerships
The project has garnered support from key industry stakeholders:
- Skytrans Airlines as the launch customer
- Aviation Australia providing technical facilities
- Brisbane Airport Corporation
- Hydrogen Flight Alliance, comprising 16 organizations
- Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program
Future Development Plans
Stralis Aircraft continues to refine their prototype propulsion system for flight certification. The company maintains its focus on developing high-performance, low-operating-cost hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation.
About Stralis Aircraft
Based at Aviation Australia in Brisbane Airport, Stralis Aircraft aims to become the world’s leading emission-free aircraft company. Their development work focuses on practical, scalable solutions for aviation decarbonization through hydrogen-electric technology.
For more information about Stralis Aircraft’s hydrogen-electric aviation technology, visit their official website or contact their media relations department.
Did You Know? Airbus ZEROe: Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Aircraft
