Hydrogen Flight to Pioneer Zero-Emission Cargo Flights in India

BluJ Aerospace, the Hyderabad-based eVTOL startup, has made significant strides in sustainable aviation with its ambitious plans to introduce hydrogen-driven cargo solutions. The company is set to launch BluJ REACH, its product aimed at unmanned logistics operations for long-range and heavy payloads. With a focus on zero-emission propulsion, BluJ REACH will transform the industrial and logistics industries in India.

The hydrogen-powered cargo aircraft will cater to sectors including but not only oil and gas, remote medical transport and logistics in hard-to-reach areas, including North East India. This marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable air cargo transport, enabling efficient, emission-free logistics.

For Sustainable Air Cargo, Blu J REACH integrates technologies such as:

• Hydrogen Electric Propulsion ensures zero-emission flights while offering substantial range and payload capacity.
• Autonomous Flight Systems will pave the way for unmanned logistics operations.
• Electric Powertrain: Enhances efficiency and reliability for long-haul cargo transport.

Hydrogen has been chosen as the fuel of choice due to its high specific energy density of 33 kilowatt-hours per kilogram, which is 100 times greater than batteries and three times that of jet fuel. This makes it a practical solution for sustainable aviation, offering superior range and payload capacity.

Hybrid hydrogen propulsion system

Blu J Aerospace is developing an advanced hybrid hydrogen propulsion system that combines:

• High-Power Density Lithium-Ion Batteries: Provides short bursts of high power during takeoff and landing.
• High-Energy-Density Fuel Cells: Offers sustained energy for long-range flights.
• Lightweight Type-IV Hydrogen Storage Tanks: Ensures efficient fuel storage.

These systems are integrated into aircraft structures made of 80% carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) by weight. CFRP provides the highest strength-to-weight ratio, making it three times lighter than aluminium, contributing to fuel efficiency and increased payload capacity.

In-house design and manufacturing

BluJ Aerospace handles the end-to-end design and manufacturing of its aircraft structures in-house. This allows the company to maintain control over Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA), ensuring high quality, optimised timelines, and cost-effective production.

The hydrogen cargo aircraft is expected to target sectors like oil and gas, remote medical services, and other logistics-heavy industries by 2030, contingent on regulatory approvals. BluJ’s solutions will address challenges in remote and underserved regions, transporting essential medical goods and equipment with efficiency and sustainability.

BluJ Aerospace’s hydrogen-driven cargo solutions are a game-changer for India’s industrial and logistics sectors. With its focus on zero-emission propulsion, innovative technology, and in-house manufacturing capabilities, BluJ is setting the stage for a new era of sustainable air cargo.

The company’s efforts underline its commitment to transforming the aviation industry while contributing to India’s broader goals for clean energy and sustainable development.