ZeroAvia Receives Signed P-1 Issue Paper from FAA for 600kW Electric Propulsion System

ZeroAvia has announced that it has achieved consensus with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on an agreed and fully executed P-1 Special Conditions Issue Paper concerning the certification of its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS).

The P-1 follows the issuance of the FAA G-1 in February 2025 and outlines the special conditions applicable to ZeroAvia’s innovative electric propulsion technology that must be addressed during the certification process with the U.S. regulator. Upon finalisation and publication of the FAA’s Special Conditions rule in the Federal Register, the means of compliance for the advanced EPS that meet these conditions will be determined in the subsequent certification stage.

Advancing from the G-1 to the P-1 stage represents a significant milestone in ZeroAvia's efforts to achieve certification of its EPS with the U.S. regulator, as well as in the process of certifying the company's inaugural fully hydrogen-electric powertrain with the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

ZeroAvia's 600kW Electric Propulsion System (EPS) incorporates the company's proprietary inverter and electric motor technology, delivering a highly efficient electric engine distinguished by outstanding fault tolerance and specific power. The 600kW EPS system comprises four ZeroAvia 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverters, which convert DC power to AC, driving ZeroAvia's direct drive motor capable of operating at 2,200 rpm.

In May 2024, ZeroAvia introduced a component offering aimed at the market for innovative electric air transport applications. The 600kW Electric Propulsion System (EPS) is potentially applicable to battery, hybrid, and fuel cell electric fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The electric propulsion system is an integral component of ZeroAvia’s extensive portfolio of hydrogen and electric aviation technologies, reflecting the company's strong commitment to vertical integration. ZeroAvia's comprehensive ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, tailored for commercial aircraft with up to 20 seats, integrates the electric propulsion system with a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system (PGS).

ZeroAvia has successfully conducted a test of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine prototype on a Dornier 228 aircraft at its facility in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the company has entered into an engineering partnership with Textron Aviation to secure a supplemental type certificate for the Cessna Grand Caravan, which is designated as the launch airframe for the ZA600. In May, ZeroAvia revealed RVL Aviation as its UK launch customer for the inaugural hydrogen-electric commercial service route globally.