Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Lyte Aviation has selected H3 Dynamics to provide the hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system for its planned 40-seat VTOL aircraft. Announcing the agreement on July 24, the companies said they will also work together to install H3 Dynamics’ self-contained electrolyzer systems at airports where Lyte expects its Skybus LA-44 to operate.
With provisional sales agreements in place covering 23 of the aircraft, Lyte is working on possible early <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-10-27/lyte-aviation-starts-use-case-study-skybus-regional-air-services-europe">use cases</a> in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. It said the pre-orders are worth €920 million ($998 million).
Lyte is also working on a cargo version called the SkyTruck LA-44C that will have a payload of around 9,900 pounds, as well as a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-29/lyte-aviation-expands-la-44-hydrogen-electric-vtol-aircraft-family-offer">19-seat version</a> for corporate customers. The company said it has been able to expand the range for some applications, such as humanitarian aid, to 2,000 kilometers (1,086 nm). This is twice the standard projected range of 1,000 kilometers.
Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics has previously developed auxiliary power unit fuel cells for the Airbus A330 airliner. It will help Lyte to integrate the propulsion system into the LA-44 aircraft.
H3 Dynamics already supplies a range of self-contained hydrogen-electrolyzer systems capable of producing green hydrogen on demand. “As we are already in close collaboration with airports in Europe and the U.S., we need to make sure that our customers can benefit from efficient and easily available hydrogen infrastructure solutions,” said Freshta Farzam.

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H3 Dynamics Will Provide Hydrogen Fuel Cells For Lyte VTOL Aircraft

The companies will also work to install hydrogen electrolyzers at airports to produce the fuel

Lyte Aviation's LA-44 VTOL aircraft will use hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system developed by H3 Dynamics.

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