Roadmap to Zero-Emission Flight
The roadmap charts the evolution of the BN-1X into the BN-1XH, a hydrogen-electric, zero-emission derivative. It follows a phased approach, progressing from the development, industrialisation and commercial deployment of the conventional BN-1X to the integration of a liquid-hydrogen-powered electrical propulsion system.
Each period represents the intended timeframe for completing the associated development activities and achieving the corresponding programme milestones.
2027–2031 | BN-1X — Design, Development and Industrialisation
Aircraft design and development, prototyping, ground and flight testing, and industrialisation. Establishment of the production system, supply chain and operational support capabilities.
The programme focuses exclusively on the conventional turboprop-powered BN-1X.
No aircraft in commercial service yet.
2032–2033 | BN-1X — Certification and Market Deployment
Type certification, production scale-up, operational deployment and market development. Introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as an intermediate measure to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions.
The BN-1X retains its conventional combustion-based propulsion system and is not zero-emission.
2034–2041 | BN-1XH — Zero-Emission Derivative Development
Design and development of the BN-1XH derivative, including necessary aerostructure adaptations, prototyping, ground and flight testing, and integration of a hydrogen-electric propulsion system.
Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) serves as the primary onboard energy storage medium. Hydrogen fuel cells convert the stored hydrogen into electricity, which is distributed to electric motors driving the propellers. Batteries may be incorporated as supporting components of the electrical power architecture, without replacing LH₂ as the primary energy source.
The programme relies on the acquisition and integration of commercially available technologies from specialised suppliers, including liquid-hydrogen storage systems, fuel cells, electric motors, batteries and associated equipment. BLUNAVIS's role is to develop the aircraft architecture and integrate these technologies into the BN-1XH.
The objective is to establish an electrically propelled aircraft operating on hydrogen-derived electrical power, without combustion.
At aircraft level, the propulsion system produces no direct CO₂, NOx, CO, unburned hydrocarbons or combustion-related soot during operation. Water and heat are produced as by-products of fuel-cell operation.
2042–2043 | BN-1XH — Certification
Certification of the BN-1XH zero-emission derivative, including completion of the applicable certification activities and demonstration of compliance with the relevant airworthiness requirements.
Definition and Scope of Zero-Emission
Zero-emission refers to direct propulsion-related emissions at aircraft level during operation. The hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system generates electricity without combustion, producing water and heat as by-products.
Emissions associated with hydrogen production, including those resulting from the electricity used to produce hydrogen, as well as aircraft manufacturing, hydrogen transportation and supporting infrastructure, fall outside this operational emissions definition.
The roadmap represents BLUNAVIS's current programme intentions and indicative development targets. Dates are strategic objectives, not guaranteed milestones or an approved certification schedule.