The Swiss manufacturer Sirius Aviation establishes itself as a pioneer in aviation by announcing a family of hydrogen-powered aircraft, not only ecological but also capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). These innovations should first affect the business aviation and cargo segments, with two emblematic models: the CEO Jet and theAdventure Jet.

Revolutionary Aircraft: CEO Jet and Adventure Jet

With a cruising speed of 280 knots, these planes offer passengers a unique flight experience. Sirius Aviation presented its models at the MOVE Expo in London last June. The CEO Jet, oriented towards business aviation, promises luxury and comfort. On the other hand, the Adventure Jet aims to combine passenger and cargo transport, while being ideal for varied missions such as medical evacuation or firefighting.

Technical Characteristics

• CEO Jet :
  • Capacity: 3 passengers
  • Autonomy: 1,000 nm
  • Price: $5.9 million
• Adventure Jet :
  • Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Autonomy: 570 nm
  • Price: $8.9 million

The Roots of Alexey Popov and His Ecological Commitment

Alexey Popov, founder and CEO of Sirius Aviation, draws its inspiration from a family of aeronautics experts. Originally from the former Soviet Union, he was made aware very early on of the issues of pollution and global warming. His passion for aviation and his family heritage push him to engage in the development of aircraft that respect the environment.

Popov remembers the Tupolev Tu-155the first experimental hydrogen-powered aircraft, which debuted in 1988. Although a sequel to this project never saw the light of day, its family dynamic demonstrates a continuity in aeronautical innovation.

A New Breath for the Aeronautical Industry

In response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, Popov highlighted that the market is now ready for hydrogen-powered aircraft. He notes that technological advances in hydrogen storage and transportation resemble those in the aerospace industry, paving the way for clean and efficient aviation.

Innovative Propulsion Technology

Sirius Aviation opts for a hydrogen propulsion system capable of producing electricity from a fuel cell. This system uses liquid hydrogen stored in cryogenic tanks. The propulsion process relies on sucked air which, after cooling, combines with hydrogen to produce water vapor and electricity. This model is distinguished by:

• Ducted fans for optimal efficiency.
• Quieter operation than helicopters, with only 60 dBA of noise at 325 feet.
• The ability to be recharged in flight, maximizing efficiency.

Towards a Personalized and Safe Future

The CEO Jet and Adventure Jet models are designed to be customizable. Users will be able to choose:

• Interior colors
• A luxurious layout

Sirius, an ambitious company, is preparing to transform the aviation sector with its innovative hybrid-electric shuttle project. The aim is to obtain certification and begin mass manufacturing of its model range before 2028, working with the ALD Groupan Israeli company expanding its presence in the United States.

Revolutionary propulsion technology

The propulsion model developed by Sirius represents a significant advance over conventional jet engines. Popovthe head of Sirius, explains that the new technology is not only more efficient but also simpler to implement. Unlike traditional jet engines, which have thousands of complex rotating parts, Sirius’ propulsion system has only two essential parts: blades and an electric motor.

A shuttle network by 2030

Sirius aims to establish a shuttle network connecting AmericasL’European Union and the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council by the end of the decade. The company positions itself not as an operator, but as a manufacturer and third-party certifier. This means that other companies will take care of the operation, maintenance and repairs of the aircraft.

Production projections and future orders

Sirius plans initial production of around 100 aircraft per year, although Popov estimates the number could be between 50 and 100. So far, some interesting contracts have been signed:

• Order of 50 Adventure Jets from the Indian operator Mehair, with 50 additional options.
• Contract from Indonesian company Parq Development for five CEO Jets and five Adventure Jets.

These first orders illustrate the growing appeal for hybrid-electric air transport solutions, particularly in the tourism sector.

A cost-effective solution for tourism

Popov predicts that tourism, including inter-island routes, will be a key use case for Sirius aircraft. The operating costs of CEO Jet and of Adventure Jet are expected to be significantly lower than helicopters, even if the initial purchase cost is higher. Here are some financial estimates:

• Approximately $500 for a full tank fill.
• Max $300 to carry passengers for 20 minutes.

The future of hydrogen in aviation

Popov also highlights the trend towards hydrogen as an aviation fuel, with infrastructure expected to expand over the next five years through sustained investment. The European Union plans to produce and import a total of 20 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. In addition, Sirius is seeking to develop its own technology for the production, storage and transport of hydrogen, an innovation still untapped in aviation.

In short, Sirius’s rise in the field of hybrid-electric aircraft paves the way towards a more sustainable and efficient future for air transport. Expectations are high and the innovations promising.