India’s MEHAIR Places Order for Up To 100 Hydro-Electric VTOL Sirius Jets
(Baar, Switzerland and Westport, Connecticut) Swiss hydro-electric aerospace company Sirius Aviation AG and Indian seaplane operator MEHAIR announced today their partnership and MEHAIR’s firm order of 50 hydro-electric vertical takeoff and landing (vTOL) Sirius Jets, with an option to add 50 more, in a deal worth a total of about $400 million.
Rendering of the Sirius Jet hydro-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG.
Per the terms of the deal, MEHAIR will oversee the assembly of 50 Sirius Millennium Jets and 1,400 Millennium Hydrogen Fan Jets, and will integrate 50 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrains and 10 Hydrogen Generation Units in India, according to today's press release from Sirius Aviation.
"Joining forces with Sirius Jet marks a significant step for India's aviation, promising passengers luxurious yet economical travel with zero emissions," said MEHAIR’s Managing Director Siddharth Verma.
"This strategic alliance with MEHAIR lays the foundation for a greener future in air travel; embodying a commitment to eco-friendly aviation and technological excellence," said Sirius Aviation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer Alexey Popov.
Earlier this year, Sirius Aviation unveiled its Hydrogen-Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion System for the Sirius Jet in Switzerland. Sirius expects to debut two versions of the jet by 2025: the Sirius Business Jet, which is tailored for private use, and the Sirius Millennium Jet, which is designed for commercial operations.
Sirius Jet Specs, per Sirius Aviation’s website:
- Aircraft Type: Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL)
- Range (Sirius Business Jet / Sirius Millennium Jet): 1150 miles (999 nautical miles) / 650 miles (565 nautical miles)
- Max Passengers (Business / Millennium): 3 / 5
- Max Altitude: 30,000 feet AGL
- Cruise Speed: 280 knots = 323 mph = 540 km/h
- Noise Level: < 60 dB
- Emissions: Zero
- Propulsion System: Hydrogen-electric powertrain (hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion system with a fuel tank)
Drawing of the Sirius Jet's technical specifications courtesy of Sirius Aviation AG.
In addition to speed, noise and ecological specs, SiriusJet’s website points to specific safety features of the jet - including an airframe parachute system and enhanced cost efficiency in comparison to combustion-engine jet models, with the goal of ultimately achieving low-cost airline standards and pricing in tandem with hydrogen-powered operations.
Sirius has partnered with BMW’s design group to create the interior and exterior features of the Sirius Jet; a pioneer in using liquid hydrogen for transportation applications, BMW will also be working with the Sirius team on the development of hydrogen technologies. Additionally, aerospace and defense company Leonardo will be working with the Sirius team to develop the Sirius Jet’s airframe.