Wind Tunnel Success Marks Milestone for Hydrogen Business Aviation

On January 19, 2026, Toulouse-based manufacturers Beyond Aero announced the successful completion of a critical wind tunnel test campaign for its “One” (BYA-1) business jet. The testing, conducted at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW) facility in Marknesse, Netherlands, serves as a primary validation of the aircraft’s novel aerodynamic architecture, specifically the integration of external hydrogen fuel tanks.

The campaign utilized a 1:8 scale model of the aircraft and spanned five weeks, generating over 60,000 data points. According to the company, these tests confirmed the stability and control of the design, validating the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models used during the preliminary engineering phase. This milestone keeps the program on track for a targeted entry into service in the early 2030s.

Validating the “One” Architecture

The primary engineering challenge addressed during this campaign was the aerodynamic impact of gaseous hydrogen storage. Unlike traditional jet fuel, which is stored in wings, hydrogen requires high-pressure tanks that occupy significant volume. Beyond Aero’s design places these tanks in fairings external to the pressurized fuselage, a configuration that frees up cabin space but introduces complex airflow considerations.

In the company’s press statement, the engineering team highlighted the necessity of this testing phase:

“Validating a hydrogen-driven aerodynamic architecture… Hydrogen propulsion introduces architectural constraints that fundamentally shape aircraft aerodynamics.”

The tests at DNW’s Low-Speed Facility (LST) focused on the interaction between the fuselage, wings, and these external nacelles. The data reportedly confirms that the aircraft maintains necessary lift and stability characteristics despite the structural modifications required for hydrogen propulsion.

Aircraft Specifications and Performance

The “One” is designed as a mid-size business jet falling under the CS-23 certification category. Based on the specifications released by Beyond Aero, the aircraft targets the following performance metrics:

• Range: 800 nautical miles (approx. 1,500 km), covering roughly 80% of typical business aviation missions.
• Capacity: 6 to 8 passengers.
• Speed: Cruise speed of 310 knots (approx. 575 km/h).
• Propulsion: A 1.2 MW hydrogen-electric powertrain consisting of two 600 kW electric-aviation ducted fans.

The powertrain relies on gaseous hydrogen stored at 700 bar. The company expects to reach a design freeze by early 2027.

Strategic Acceleration via Acquisition

While the wind tunnel tests validate the airframe, Beyond Aero has also accelerated its powertrain development through strategic asset acquisitions. Following the 2024 cessation of operations by Universal Hydrogen, Beyond Aero acquired that company’s patent portfolio, flight test data, and test benches.

This acquisition allowed Beyond Aero to bypass several years of research and development. In October 2025, the company announced it had achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) for its propulsion system, a milestone significantly aided by the integration of the former Universal Hydrogen assets.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful wind tunnel campaign by Beyond Aero highlights a diverging path in the hydrogen aviation sector. While competitors like ZeroAvia have focused on retrofitting existing airframes (such as the Cessna Caravan or Dash 8) to expedite certification, Beyond Aero is pursuing a “clean-sheet” design. This approach allows for optimized integration of hydrogen tanks, arguably the most difficult physical constraint of hydrogen aviation, but it carries the higher capital risk and longer timelines associated with certifying a brand-new airframe.

Furthermore, the regulatory landscape remains a significant hurdle. The “One” is set to be certified under EASA CS-23 regulations, but current standards do not explicitly cover hydrogen electric propulsion. Beyond Aero’s “Pre-Application Contract” (PAC) with EASA suggests they are positioning themselves as a regulatory pathfinder, helping to define the “Special Conditions” required for future hydrogen aircraft. The successful aerodynamic validation of external tanks is a crucial step in proving to regulators that hydrogen infrastructure can be safely integrated into a certified airframe without compromising flight characteristics.

Sources

• Beyond Aero Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from REGENT.

Stealth Private Club ‘XXV’ Orders 30 REGENT Seagliders for East Coast Service

Rhode Island-based manufacturers REGENT has announced a significant fleet order from XXV, a private membership club headquartered in Southern Connecticut. The agreement includes a firm order for 30 “Viceroy” seagliders, the all-electric wing-in-ground effect vehicles designed to operate exclusively over water.

According to the company’s announcement, the partnership aims to establish a high-speed, zero-emission transportation network connecting key luxury destinations along the U.S. East Coast. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027, potentially positioning the service ahead of many electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi competitors.

While the financial terms were not disclosed in the official release, market analysis of comparable orders, such as previous deals with Southern Airways Express and Ocean Flyer, suggests the total value of the 30-unit fleet could range between $300 million and $500 million.

Connecting the “Golden Routes”

XXV plans to deploy the Viceroy seagliders on some of the most congested and lucrative travel corridors in the United States. The press release confirms that the planned route network will service:

• New York City to The Hamptons
• Boston to Nantucket
• Palm Beach to Miami
• Miami to The Bahamas

The service targets the same demographic currently served by helicopter operators like Blade and seaplane operators like Tailwind Air, but with a promise of reduced noise and zero operating emissions. XXV stated that it intends to appoint a “high-profile U.S. operator” to manage the daily logistics and piloting of the fleet, rather than operating the vessels directly.

“We designed Seaglider vessels to remove friction from coastal travel, and XXV is applying that capability to create a member experience centered on our shared goals of convenience, comfort, and connection.”

, Billy Thalheimer, CEO of REGENT

The Buyer: Who is XXV?

The purchaser, XXV (pronounced “Twenty-Five”), is described as a private members club founded by Neill Etheridge and Jamie Petty. Despite the scale of the order, the organization maintains a low public profile, with no active public-facing membership portal currently available. The club positions itself as a provider of “innovative experiences centered around premier coastal destinations.”

In a statement regarding the acquisition, co-founder Neill Etheridge emphasized the transformative potential of the technology.

“REGENT’s Seaglider vessels transform travel from a constraint into an opportunity.”

, Neill Etheridge, Co-founder of XXV

Technology and Regulatory Strategy

The Viceroy is a 12-passenger, all-electric craft capable of speeds up to 180 mph (156 knots). It operates using the “wing-in-ground” (WIG) effect, flying on a cushion of air within one wingspan of the water’s surface. Because the vehicle never flies at high altitudes, it is classified as a maritime vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rather than an aircraft by the FAA.

This classification is critical to the project’s timeline. By adhering to maritime regulations, REGENT aims to bypass the lengthy and expensive certification backlog currently facing electric aviation startups. The Viceroy operates in three modes: floating on its hull near docks, hydrofoiling in harbors, and flying at low altitude over open water.

AirPro News Analysis

The order from XXV highlights a growing trend of private capital seeking to disrupt regional mobility through “regulatory arbitrage.” By utilizing the USCG maritime classification, operators like XXV can potentially launch high-speed regional services years before FAA-certified electric air taxis enter the market.

However, challenges remain. While the “boat” classification simplifies certification, the operational reality of flying a vehicle at 180 mph near crowded waterways like New York Harbor will likely invite scrutiny. Furthermore, the viability of the network depends on the installation of high-voltage maritime charging infrastructure at destinations like Nantucket and the Hamptons, which is currently virtually non-existent.

If successful, this model poses a direct threat to existing helicopter services. The Viceroy promises a smoother ride than traditional boats and a significantly quieter acoustic profile than helicopters, potentially unlocking access to noise-sensitive ports that have previously banned air traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Viceroy a plane or a boat?
Legally, it is a boat. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies it as a maritime vessel because it operates exclusively in ground effect, just a few feet above the water.

When will the service launch?
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, though the exact launch date for passenger services will depend on operator readiness and infrastructure development.

How fast can it go?
The Viceroy has a top speed of 180 mph, making it approximately six times faster than a traditional ferry.

Sources

• REGENT Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Daher and verified industry data.

Daher Unveils TBM 980: The First Turboprop with Garmin G3000 PRIME

Daher has officially launched the TBM 980, the newest flagship in its high-performance single-engine turboprop family. Unveiled today at the company’s production facility in Tarbes, France, the aircraft introduces significant technological upgrades, most notably the integration of Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics suite. According to the manufacturers, deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following EASA certification and FAA validation.

The launch event, attended by customers and streamed globally, highlighted the aircraft’s new motto, “Fly Differently.” Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft, emphasized that the updates focus on intuitive operation and enhanced connectivity for both pilots and passengers. The TBM 980 replaces the TBM 960 as the top-tier offering in the lineup, with a reported price point of approximately $5.82 million.

A New Era of Avionics: Garmin G3000 PRIME

The defining feature of the TBM 980 is its flight deck. It is one of the first aircraft to feature the Garmin G3000® PRIME, a system designed to reduce pilot workload through improved ergonomics and processing power. The system utilizes three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays that offer higher resolution and faster response times than previous generations.

According to Daher, the user interface has been overhauled to resemble modern mobile applications. Pilots can now access essential functions, such as radios, flight plans, and transponder settings, via “slide-out” menus and shortcuts, eliminating the need to navigate through deep sub-menus.

A significant physical change in the cockpit is the removal of the traditional checklist button. It has been replaced by a four-position joystick located on the yoke. This allows pilots to scroll through checklists and mark items as complete without removing their hands from the controls, a feature aimed at maintaining situational awareness during critical phases of flight.

“Its touchscreen-controlled flight deck truly revolutionizes the interface between pilots and the avionics, while the passenger experience is further elevated in the six-seat cabin.”

, Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft

Cabin Connectivity and Passenger Comfort

Beyond the cockpit, the TBM 980 addresses the growing demand for in-flight connectivity. The cabin is factory-ready for the installation of a Starlink Mini terminal, enabling high-speed satellite internet access. This upgrade aligns with the aircraft’s target market of owner-pilots and corporate operators who require consistent connectivity.

Additional cabin enhancements include:

• Power: New 100-watt USB-C ports capable of charging laptops and high-draw mobile devices.
• Monitoring: An upgraded “Passenger Comfort Display” that provides real-time enroute flight data.

Performance and Safety Systems

While the avionics and cabin have seen major updates, the TBM 980 retains the propulsion and airframe characteristics of its predecessor, the TBM 960. It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine, paired with a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. Both are managed by a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

Safety Automation

The aircraft incorporates Daher’s “e-copilot®” safety suite. This includes the HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system, which can automatically guide the aircraft to a landing if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Other automated protections include:

• Ice Protection: Automated de-icing systems and flight envelope monitoring.
• Weather Radar-Systems: The Garmin GWX™ 8000 all-digital radar with StormOptix technology, which automatically adjusts settings to profile storm cells in 3D.
• Emergency Descent Mode (EDM): Automatically descends the aircraft to a safe altitude in the event of cabin depressurization.

Daher also noted that the TBM 980 is approved for “PRIST-free” operations, meaning it does not require anti-icing fuel additives, simplifying logistics for operators.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the TBM 980 signals a shift in the single-engine turboprop market where raw performance gains (speed and range) are plateauing due to aerodynamic and engine limitations. Instead, manufacturers like Daher are competing on “digital luxury” and ease of operation.

By being the launch platform for the Garmin G3000 PRIME, Daher reinforces its reputation for aggressive technological adoption. The shift to app-based interfaces and Starlink integration suggests that the next battleground for turboprops will be user experience (UX), making complex aircraft feel as intuitive as a high-end car or business jet. This strategy directly targets the owner-pilot demographic, who are often willing to pay a premium for reduced workload and cutting-edge interfaces.

Market Context and Availability

The TBM 980 represents the sixth iteration of the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the product line in 2014. Didier Kayat, Daher Chairman and CEO, stated that the launch underscores the company’s commitment to “continual application of innovation.”

According to industry data, the TBM 980 enters the market with a price tag of roughly $5.82 million, while the TBM 960 remains available for order at approximately $5.62 million. With EASA certification already issued and FAA validation complete, Daher expects to begin deliveries in January 2026.

Sources

• Daher