HyFIVE industry partners chart course to zero-emission aviation future

Following the announcement of the consortium’s formation earlier this year, today marked the first joint public appearance by the leadership teams of all three industry partners.

The HyFIVE programme has received initial funding of nearly £40 million, with an investment of £17 million from industry matched with £20 million from government.

The venture is supported by the ATI Programme, a partnership between the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK.

The overarching objective of the consortium is to develop a world-leading liquid hydrogen fuel system and supply chain supporting zero-emission aviation in the 2030s.

The recent signing and approval of a grant offer letter (GOL) from Innovate UK has given the partners the green light to formally commence project activities.

“With its focus on innovation, future flight and sustainability, Farnborough is the perfect backdrop for us to demonstrate how the UK’s industrial and research capabilities can lead the way towards cleaner, greener air travel,” said Marshall’s Aerostructures Director, Lucy Skerritt.

“HyFIVE will take advantage of each industry partner’s unique capabilities, while drawing on support from the UK’s world-leading universities.”

Under the combined leadership of the three industry partners, specialised R & D will be conducted by the University of Manchester, the University of Bath and Cardiff University.

Max Brown, VP Engineering & Technology – Hydrogen Systems for GKN Aerospace, said: “Taking hydrogen fuel system technology to the next stage requires exceptional collaboration within the industry, combined with insights from leading academics.

“The HyFIVE partnership embodies exactly that, and is part of our larger strategic plan going forward. We believe the collaboration with Marshall and Parker Meggitt provides our path to delivering this breakthrough technology in the UK.”