Beyond Aero has unveiled a refined concept for its light jet, incorporating key engineering advancements. These refinements mark a step toward certification and commercialization.
Since introducing the initial concept at Le Bourget in June 2023, Beyond Aero has made refinements to derisk hydrogen powerplan and accelerate certification and industrialization. The BYA-1 is the first electric light jet designed for hydrogen propulsion, featuring a clean-sheet architecture optimized for gaseous hydrogen.
Key design enhancements include:
Battery-free hydrogen fuel cell system with built-in redundancy: The modular architecture features two electric engines powered by independent powerplant channels. The fuel cell stack capacity has increased to 2.4MW.
Gaseous hydrogen tank placement: The 700-bar fuel tanks are integrated above the wing box structure, eliminating high-pressure fuel lines inside the pressurized cabin.
Thermal management system for electric ducted fans: The system includes integrated electric ducted fans (EDF) and a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). This system will be certified under a TC Engine framework.
These engineering decisions also lower maintenance and operational costs. The BYA-I light jet has an all-electric powertrain with 90% fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for a high-temperature turbine, and proposes a modular engine swap system. Hydrogen fuel is expected to cut fuel costs by 65% vs. Power-to-Liquid SAFs by 2025 and 17% vs. Jet A-1 by 2030.
To validate the program’s feasibility and accelerate certification, Beyond Aero has assembled an expert advisory committee composed of top executives and engineers from leading aerospace firms and aviation stakeholders. This committee has confirmed the technical viability of the refined aircraft, emphasizing its readiness for certification and market adoption.
“With its nice look, BYA-I is a great mix of traditional design and innovation, perfect for the European market,” said Stéphane Mayer, former CEO, EADS Socata, ATR, Daher, Nexter.
“Significantly more mature than the previous version, a lot of good work has been done by an experienced and qualified team. They have evaluated multiple configurations and unique constraints to produce a beautiful aircraft,” said Erik Carlson, aerospace consultant, former technical director, stress & structural design, HondaJet.
“An aircraft that has proven to be a beautiful product, centered on safety and certification,” added Dominique Roland, aerospace consultant, former head of general aviation, EASA.
With a range of 800 NM plus NBAA reserves at 310 KTAS in a six-passenger configuration, the BYA-1 meets over 80% of current European flight routes. The aircraft is designed for operational flexibility, with a takeoff ground roll of 620 meters and an approach angle of 5.5°, making it suitable for constrained airports.
The elliptical windows are 27% larger than those found in conventional business jets. Additionally, low-noise electric propulsion and advanced acoustic insulation reduce cabin noise by 15 dBA.
Beyond Aero is actively working with EASA on regulatory approvals, ensuring its aircraft meets safety and certification standards. Since submitting its Design Organization Approval (DOA) application in April 2024, Beyond Aero has progressed through EASA’s Pre-Application Services and is currently defining a certification framework for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
“Beyond Aero is setting the precedent for hydrogen-electric certification,” said Walter Filho, head of certification, “Working closely with EASA, we are shaping regulatory pathways that will enable the safe and efficient adoption of hydrogen propulsion in aviation.” With CS-23 regulations not yet accounting for hydrogen-powered aircraft, Beyond Aero is collaborating with EASA to establish a special condition tailored to its technology.
