Hydrogen-powered Dash 8 retrofit aircraft could cover 90% of routes in service

Dutch start-up Conscious Aerospace is stepping up development of its 2 MW-class hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, aiming to begin flight testing on a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 within the next three years. Rather than positioning the technology as a distant concept, the company sees it as a near-term solution to cut emissions in regional aviation. Founder Michel van Ierland noted that recent discussions with partners indicate the project is ready to move into a more intensive development phase.

The program involves collaborations with Aeronamic, fuel cell supplier EH Group, and Senior Aerospace. While the exact configuration of the “iron bird” test rig has not yet been finalized, it is expected to closely mirror the production system, which is designed to deliver around 2.1 MW of peak power. Initial ground testing will take place at a new hydrogen facility operated by the Dutch aerospace institute NLR in Marknesse, supporting early-stage validation. At the same time, the project is approaching its preliminary design review, which van Ierland expects to complete within the coming months.

Some key elements are still being defined. The company has yet to choose an electric motor supplier, though three candidates are currently under consideration, with a decision expected soon. Thermal management also remains a critical challenge, as it will influence both aircraft weight and aerodynamic performance.

The Dutch government has already committed €73 million (about $84 million) to the initiative as part of its green aviation program, and Conscious Aerospace is now pursuing a Series A funding round to support the next stage of development. The company continues to work closely with De Havilland Canada to ensure the retrofit integrates smoothly with the Dash 8-300 platform, which serves as the program’s launch aircraft. Updated internal projections suggest better-than-expected performance, with improvements in both payload capacity and range.

The hydrogen-powered Dash 8-300 is expected to reach a range of about 404 nautical miles, covering roughly 90% of the routes currently flown by the aircraft. Interest from airlines is growing, with agreements already in place with KLM and Transavia, and additional demand emerging across the Asia-Pacific region—particularly in markets such as Australia and New Zealand, where Dash 8-300 fleets are widely used.

Beyond commercial aviation, Conscious Aerospace sees opportunities in defense and security roles, including coastguard operations, maritime surveillance, and patrol missions. According to van Ierland, the system can meet endurance requirements for extended operations while aligning with typical mission profiles.

The company is also working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to establish certification pathways, paving the way for future flight testing and regulatory approval. For now, however, Conscious Aerospace remains focused on advancing the Dash 8 platform, supported by a team of around 20 engineers.