IAAPS and GKN Aerospace are validating hydrogen-electric propulsion technologies for future aircraft within the H2GEAR programme.
The partnership combines IAAPS’ flexible, future-ready facilities with GKN’s propulsion expertise with the aim of accelerating progress towards net zero flight. Through the ATI-funded H2GEAR programme, the partners will test and validate a Hydrogen Electric Propulsion (HEP) system, including hydrogen fuel, cryogenics and propulsion technologies.
Hydrogen propulsion, particularly liquid hydrogen (LH₂), demands highly specialised test infrastructure. In the UK, facilities capable of combining hydrogen handling, high‑voltage electrical systems, and advanced dynamometer capability are limited.
To accommodate these requirements, GKN selected IAAPS for its ability to rapidly adapt the new Bristol & Bath Science Park facility for the complex test campaign. Last year, IAAPS was chosen to provide the test infrastructure to qualify the SuperCool cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft in development by HyFlux and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
Together with GKN, the IAAPS team established several new capabilities within hydrogen-electric propulsion, including gaseous hydrogen supply systems, high-power battery emulation and cryogenic helium cooling infrastructure.
“What stood out was the openness across both teams,” said Charlie Gaylard, engineer at IAAPS. “It allowed us to share information quickly, adjust our approach when needed, and work through complex technical issues effectively. That kind of collaboration is vital for the success of large-scale programmes like H2GEAR.”
The partnership has already delivered successful testing of a Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) Energy Storage System and an integrated fuel‑cell Power Generation System (PGS). The next phase will advance into cryogenically cooled power‑distribution conduits and high‑power drive systems.
According to the partners, the test campaign enabled credible demonstration of novel hydrogen-electric technologies, high-value validation data for future system design, and has strengthened UK capability in hydrogen propulsion.
“Hydrogen technology demands unique test capabilities and a strong safety culture,” added Andrew McKeever, the principal test engineer at GKN who led the test campaign. “IAAPS brought both, enabling us to move at the pace required for disruptive programmes like H2GEAR.”
