Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association  Of Canada
 

 

LAMAC PROJECT # 1206 TONY HOWARD

Project Title: 
"h2EarlyAdopter - Hydrogen powered light aircraft demonstrator"
(Proposed project under discussion)
Objective: To assemble and fly a hydrogen powered light aircraft from predominantly Canadian resources to demonstrate capability and feasibility of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for light aircraft. And also to demonstrate the power of a collaborative effort and that the aircraft can be compliant with TBD design standards.


Program Description: 

This project aspires to address a number of current         pressing issues

  •   Reduce the dependency on oil derived fuels – ultimately use indigenous fuels such as hydrogen generated by wind to extend light aircraft infrastructure in Canadian North

  • Demonstrate that the Canadian Light Aircraft industry is capable of innovation  

  • Create a light aircraft technology facility “The Beaver Lodge” a la “The Skunkworks” and the “Phantomworks”

  • Provide inspiration to aviation inclined youth (The Air Cadets) that they can become physically engaged in new technology development.

  • To provide an education, teaching and training tool for education institutions-community colleges

  • To tangibly assist Canadian companies  to move forward and make demonstrable progress in areas that the governments and the industry believe must be accomplished e.g. the adoption of hydrogen as a viable fuel.

  • To serve as a tool to aid in the development of air transport support infrastructure in remoter locations “The Hydrogen Skyway” e.g. the north.

 
Ownership: “Hydrogenaloft”

 
Champion: Tony Howard,  Matthew Fairlie 

 
Role of LAMAC: To encourage and support the Project 

 
Resources Requirement: Airframe Kit, Powerplant and installation, hydrogen ICE technology, On-aircraft hydrogen storage, remote site hydrogen 
production, aircraft assembly, engine installation assembly, flight test.     
     
 Issues:
  • Whether such an aircraft can be built and be flightworthy.
  • Whether hydrogen is a viable alternative fuel in the proposed operating environment.
  • Whether the identified team will work effectively and issues will be properly addressed     
Timeline – 2005-2006 - Goal would be to demonstrate at major airshows in 2006 – e.g. Oshkosh  AirVenture  
   
Milestones:
  • Project Plan Complete – first qtr 2005 
  • Partners and Collaborators identified and committed – first and second qtrs 2005 
  • Funding sourced and committed – first and second qtrs 2005
  • Market study for hydrogen powered aircraft complete third quarter 2005
  • Aircraft Systems design complete – second and third quarters 2005   
  • Aircraft structurally assembled – third qtr 2005  
  • Aircraft systems installation complete - third and fourth qtr 2005 
  • Engine installation assembled – fourth qtr 2005/first qtr 2006 
  • Engine installation to aircraft complete – first qtr
  • 2006 Aircraft systems checkout complete – second qtr 2006
  • Engine checkout complete – second qtr 2006 
  • Taxi trials complete – second qtr 2006
  • First Flight – second qtr 2006 
Likely Candidates for Collaboration
  • Air Cadet League of Canada – Airframe build & assembly 
  • Fairfield Group – Hydrogen technology technical and business support
  • OAC  - Ontario industry support 
  • AQA – Quebec industry support 
  • others TBD    

 
Proposed Candidates for Partnership Airframe Kit Supplier - TBD
Dynetek – On-aircraft hydrogen storage system 
Crossflow Aero Corp – Engine Installation Package
Performance Engineering Inc. – Engine development
Hydrogen Engine Company Inc. – Engine fuel operating system
Ford/Mazda – Rotary Engine supplier
Stuart Energy Inc. – Hydrogen production and field storage
Industry Canada/TPC/IRAP – h2EA funding
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs – infrastructure & education funding
Georgian Community College – education and training curriculum development 
others TBD; 
Floats: TBD

 
Project Manager: Tony Howard  

 
Financial Requirements – Budget:  ROM Cdn$.5 - .75 M
Airframe Kit-Quickbuild $55,000
Floats $35,000
On-aircraft hydrogen storage $ 20,000
Engine $20,000
Engine fuel system $10,000
Engine Installation Package $20,000
Design and Engineering $20,000
Aircraft Assembly $15-20,000
Aircraft Checkout and Flight Test $20,000
Crating and shipping $5,000
Contingency @10% $ 22,000

 
Definition of project completion:

 

 Aircraft has completed published flight test Program
Follow-on activities:  Aircraft flight capability demonstration
Education and training
Fuel infra-structure development for operating aircraft in remote areas
Others TBD