The FAA and ZeroAvia have agreed on a certification basis for the 600-kilowatt electric propulsion system ZeroAvia is developing as a key component in its planned ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain. On Monday, ZeroAvia announced that the FAA issued the company a G-1 issue paper, which establishes the criteria for certification.

While ZeroAvia designed the electric propulsion system (EPS) for the ZA600, the company is also offering it to OEMs as a standalone system that could work with a variety of aircraft and powertrains, including airplanes and rotorcraft that run on batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or hybrid systems. 

“While hydrogen-electric is the future for the majority of commercial routes in existence today, advances in electric propulsion technology and novel aircraft design are opening up an exciting range of new shorter-range, electric air mobility applications,” said ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. “Certifying and selling our 600kW electric propulsion system helps ZeroAvia expand our addressable market and increase our impact in pursuit of a clean future of flight.”

ZeroAvia’s EPS consists of four 200-kilowatt continuous power bidirectional inverters that convert DC power to AC current and provide electricity to a direct drive motor capable of 2,200 rpm.

The ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, which combines the EPS with hydrogen fuel cells, is designed to convert regional airliners such as the 19-seat Dornier 228 twin turboprop to make their operations more sustainable. Last year, ZeroAvia announced plans to separately commercialize the system’s individual components in addition to the full powertrain.

ZeroAvia is producing its component line, including the EPS, at a facility it opened last year in Everett, Washington. While the company has its headquarters in Hollister, California, it does most of its research and development work in the UK, where it is also working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to develop hydrogen refueling infrastructure at airports in addition to certifying its hydrogen-electric engines.

The company is also building a facility at Paine Field airport near Seattle, where it will retrofit a de Havilland Dash 8-400 twin turboprop with the more powerful ZA2000 hydrogen-electric propulsion system, which is designed for 40- to 80-seat regional turboprops. It aims to install the first ZA600 powertrain conversion kits under supplemental type certificates later this year, with the larger ZA2000 units to follow in 2027.

“With nearly 3,000 orders for our full powertrains and components, achieving a first certification will be a monumental achievement for our team and for the aviation industry, unlocking clean, efficient, and affordable air transport all over the world.”