Aero hydrogen tech moves forward with SHZ Advanced Technologies and JetZero collaboration

JetZero is partnering with SHZ Advanced Technologies to adapt SHZ’s existing, patented liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage and distribution technologies for a potential Z4 variant.

Under the agreement, JetZero and SHZ Advanced Technologies will work together under the NASA Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 (AACES) project to analyse and design technical storage and distribution solutions enabling the adaptation of LH2 in commercial air transport.

JetZero was awarded an AACES grant in November 2024 to ‘explore technologies that enable cryogenic, liquid hydrogen to be used as a fuel for commercial aviation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions’, according to NASA.

Image ©JetZero

JetZero’s Z4 is an all-wing design, offering a wider fuselage that acts as a wing, with all surfaces providing lift and reducing drag. Due to the wider fuselage, the airframe is far more compatible with LH2 fuel tanks. As the first commercial all wing plane, the Z4 will be powered by conventional fossil-based jet fuel, with up to 50 per cent better fuel efficiency and reduced associated emissions, helping airlines meet their Net Zero 2050 goals. With the engines mounted on the top of the airplane, noise pollution is reduced by up to four times for communities surrounding airports.

SHZ Advanced Technologies, with 14 proprietary patents including non-conventional LH2 storage and a revolutionary LH2 compressor-pump, will provide industry expertise to JetZero to advance the technology that will help decarbonise the aviation industry and deliver a cleaner and more sustainable industry.

For more information, visit www.jetzero.aero.