Feasibility Study for Integrating Hydrogen Propulsion and Aircraft Automation in a Cessna Caravan

ZeroAvia and Reliable Robotics propose to conduct a feasibility study on integrating hydrogen-electric propulsion with advanced aircraft automation technology in a Cessna Caravan platform. This study will explore the synergies between clean propulsion and autonomous flight systems to enable a new class of zero-emission, highly automated aircraft with potential to revolutionize Air Force logistics, ISR, and distributed operations. The feasibility study will focus on:Analyzing how propulsion system data outputs (e.g. throttle response, temperatures) can be integrated into automation system control logic and instrumentation requirements.Modeling integrated system performance and control architectures for the combined hydrogen-electric powertrain and automation systems.Assessing physical and electrical integration constraints within the Cessna Caravan airframe.Developing a preliminary system architecture for the integrated solution.Identifying key technical risks and mitigation strategies.Analyzing performance and payload/range capabilities for typical Air Force use cases.The proposed effort leverages ZeroAvia's proven hydrogen-electric powertrain technology, which offers higher energy density than batteries and even jet fuel when using liquid hydrogen. This will be combined with Reliable Robotics' certified automation technology to enable autonomous and remotely-piloted operations. The integration of these technologies creates an opportunity for extended range, increased payload capacity, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational flexibility compared to both conventional and battery-electric aircraft.Key technical challenges to be addressed include:Optimizing interfaces between propulsion data and automation systemsDesigning integrated control architecturesManaging thermal and electrical integration within existing airframe constraintsEnsuring safety and reliability of the combined systemThe feasibility study will lay the groundwork for potential prototype development and flight testing in future phases. If successful, this technology could enable sustainable, long-range autonomous aircraft for military logistics, ISR, distributed operations, and commercial applications. The dual-use potential aligns with Air Force priorities for energy resilience, emissions reduction, and overcoming pilot shortages. By combining ZeroAvia's expertise in hydrogen-electric propulsion with Reliable Robotics' capabilities in aircraft automation, this project aims to advance the technical baseline for zero-emission autonomous aviation and explore a promising solution to critical Air Force needs.