Ricardo: UK Consortium to Deliver World’s First Truly Green Passenger Carrying Airline Services Using Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
30.3.2021 02:01:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) - the UK SME leading the Project Fresson consortium - announces it will exploit recent advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology to develop a commercially viable, retrofit powertrain solution for the nine-passenger Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210329005667/en/
Project Frisson to deliver world's first green passenger aircraft service (Graphic: Business Wire)
Following a rigorous assessment of hydrogen technology innovators, CAeS is delighted to welcome Ricardo UK Ltd and Innovatus Technologies Ltd to the Fresson consortium. Ricardo UK Ltd brings expertise in fuel cell system development and Innovatus Technologies Ltd brings their innovative Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Tank (SHyFT) technology.
Steve Dyke, Managing Director Ricardo Automotive and Industrial EMEA Division said: “We are proud to join the Cranfield Aerospace Solutions consortium to play our part in helping to reduce the carbon footprint for commercial air passengers. We are already working on hydrogen and fuel cell technology, providing clean efficient solutions which reduce carbon and noxious emissions across a wide range of sectors. Our work for the Fresson consortium will enable us to consolidate and grow our hydrogen fuel cell and propulsion capability, so that Ricardo can achieve its ambition of becoming a world-leader in hydrogen and fuel cell services and solutions and help accelerate net zero transportation.”
Innovatus Technologies Ltd leads the field in next generation ultralightweight hydrogen tank design exploiting patented cellular core composite techniques. This is critical to the successful integration and exploitation of hydrogen fuel cell power systems in applications across aerospace, automotive, industrial, and marine sectors.
Ruan Swart, Chief Executive Officer Innovatus Technologies Ltd said: ““We are proud in being selected to join the Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, ‘Project Fresson’, consortium. Our unique and innovative SHyFT solution is game-changing in bringing zero carbon fuel cell energy to commercial reality in the transport sector. Project Fresson showcases important Scottish innovation and next generation hydrogen tank manufacturing in the UK.”
Project Fresson will deliver an emissions-free (zero CO2), hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered flying demonstrator by September 2022. Having completed a comprehensive evaluation of technologies and configurations for sustainable aircraft propulsion, the Fresson team concluded that hydrogen fuel cell technology is the optimum solution to meet environmental, regulatory and operational requirements for this size of aircraft, enabling zero carbon emissions and reducing operating costs. This has presented the Fresson consortium, which includes Britten-Norman and Cranfield University, with an opportunity to deliver an enhanced technology programme that surpasses the original demonstrator concept.
Paul Hutton, Chief Executive Officer, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions said: “This is incredibly important for the Project Fresson Team but also for everyone else around the world interested in zero emissions flight. This project can deliver the world’s first truly “green” passenger carrying airline services. The whole team is proud of what Project Fresson has achieved so far and excited about what is to come. I am very thankful for the support of the ATI and our investors for making this ground-breaking work a reality.”
Jenny Kavanagh, Chief Strategy Officer, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions added: “Covid-19 has caused the biggest crisis in aviation’s history. It’s important that, as the sector builds back better, it does so with sustainability at its heart. Project Fresson is more than just a technology demonstrator; it has one focus above all others: real operational and commercial viability.”
Project Fresson is supported by the ATI Programme, a joint Government and industry investment to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture. The programme, delivered through a partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK, addresses technology, capability and supply chain challenges.
As a result of these changes, there is now no longer a need for the Rolls-Royce element of the aircraft programme. It is therefore Rolls-Royce’s intention to withdraw from Project Fresson and the consortium is going through the necessary steps for this to happen. We thank Rolls-Royce for its contribution to Project Fresson and wish its team well. Rolls-Royce will continue to actively research the use of hydrogen in aviation and this decision in no way reflects its overall view of hydrogen as a potential technology.
Ends
Notes to editors
- To follow the progress of Project Fresson, visit the microsite: www.projectfresson.uk or follow on Twitter @projectfresson.
- Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is an aerospace market leader in rapid prototyping of new aerospace concepts, modifications to existing aerospace platforms and integration of cutting-edge technologies to meet the most challenging issues facing the industry today. CAeS is the wholly owned commercial arm of Cranfield University. Visit: www.cranfieldaerospace.com
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210329005667/en/
Contact information
Media contacts
For Cranfield Aerospace Solutions:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1234 754046
Email: enquiries@cranfieldaerospace.com
For Ricardo
Kathryn Bellamy
Communications Manager
Ricardo Automotive & Industrial EMEA Division, and Performance Products Division
Email: kathryn.bellamy@ricardo.com
Telephone: +44(0)7921 941824
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Angelalign Technology Inc. (6699.HK) Applauds European Court Rejection of Patent Infringement Claim12.5.2026 20:39:00 EEST | Press release
Angelalign Technology Inc. (6699.HK) (“Angel”) (http://www.angelaligner.com) today said it was grateful that the Local Division Düsseldorf (Germany) of the Unified Patent Court rejected a request by Align Technology Inc. (ALGN) for Angel to cease and desist from using its A7 Premolar Extraction Solution. Angel denied that the A7 tooth movement protocol infringes any patents as alleged by Align Technology Inc. (ALGN). The court rejected Align’s request for Angel to preliminarily cease its use of the feature, a decision Angel applauded. “We respect the Düsseldorf Local Division’s ruling and will continue to make our case that Angel has not violated any valid patents,” said Dr. Arno Riße, Angel’s attorney at the Arnold Ruess law firm of Düsseldorf. “We are grateful that the court decided not to grant Align's request for preliminary measures. Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on legitimate patents.” “We categorically deny the allegations of i
Bharat Forge Signs Long-Term Contract with Embraer for Landing Gear Forgings12.5.2026 19:38:00 EEST | Press release
Bharat Forge Ltd. (BFL) (BSE: 500493, NSE: BHARATFORG), a global leader in advanced forging and precision engineering, today announced a long-term contract with Embraer for the manufacturing and supply of critical landing gear forgings. With this milestone, Bharat Forge becomes the first Indian supplier to join Embraer’s global aerospace supply chain for forged components. Under the agreement, Bharat Forge will supply high-integrity forged components for landing gear systems across Embraer’s commercial and Defence aircraft programs. This engagement establishes a strategic partnership anchored in advanced manufacturing capabilities, precision engineering, and proven expertise in delivering complex, safety-critical components for global aerospace platforms. The long-term contract reflects a shared commitment to quality, reliability, and sustained collaboration, and reinforces Embraer’s confidence in Bharat Forge’s ability to meet stringent global certification standards while consistentl
De' Longhi Group - 6.6% Growth at Constant Exchange Rates and Accelerated Net Profit: Solid Results Fully Support Guidance12.5.2026 19:37:00 EEST | Press release
The Board of Directors of De' Longhi S.p.A. approved the consolidated results 1for the first quarter of 2026: In the first quarter the Group achieved: revenues of € 777.7 million, up 3% (+6.6% at constant exchange rates); adjusted 2Ebitda of € 125.9 million, equal to 16.2% of revenues (15.4% in Q1-25); net profit (pertaining to the Group) of € 61.7 million, equal to 7.9% of revenues and up 7.5% compared to the previous year; net financial position at the end of March 2026 of € 720.5 million. CEO Fabio de' Longhi commented: “The start of 2026 was marked by solid revenue growth of 6.6% at constant exchange rates, continuing the excellent performance achieved in recent years. The professional division's strong expansion sustained its momentum, with revenue growing by over 40% and now representing approximately 18% of total quarterly turnover. Simultaneously, we are pleased with the positive organic performance of the household division, which resumed its growth trajectory after successful
Multi-Color Corporation Successfully Completes Comprehensive Financial Restructuring12.5.2026 19:09:00 EEST | Press release
Multi-Color Corporation ("MCC" or the "Company") today announced the successful completion of the Company’s financial restructuring process and emergence from its prepackaged Chapter 11 process. The Company’s prepackaged restructuring reduced net debt by approximately $3.8 billion, reduced annualized cash interest expense by more than $330 million, and extended long-term debt maturities to 2033. More than 99% of voting stakeholders voted to accept MCC’s Plan of Reorganization. Upon emergence, MCC also received a significant $889 million new common and preferred equity investment from CD&R and a group of MCC’s existing secured lenders to support MCC’s long-term growth and investment. "Today marks a significant milestone for MCC, as well as our customers, teammates, and partners who have supported us throughout this process,” said Hassan Rmaile, President and Chief Executive Officer of MCC. “Over the last several months, we continued to diligently serve and win clients, sharpened our ope
New Cessna Caravans to Boost USDA’s Fight Against Crop-Damaging Insects12.5.2026 18:00:00 EEST | Press release
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260512676348/en/ Mission-Ready: The Cessna Caravan joins USDA’s fight to protect Texas citrus from invasive pests APHIS will use the Caravans to carry and release sterile insects that help prevent the spread of destructive pests, including fruit flies. The environmentally friendly technique helps safeguard fruit-bearing trees, reduce crop damage and protect agricultural industries that rely on healthy harvests. “These aircraft will help APHIS reach remote areas and carry out their important mission o
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom