The Sirius Jet, a creation of Swiss startup Sirius Aviation AG, is designed to cover distances of up to 1,150 miles at speeds of 323 mph using a liquid-hydrogen powertrain. The vertical takeoff is facilitated by a deflected vectored thrust system employing 20 electric ducted fans.
Since 2021, the company’s team of over 100 engineers has been engaged in intense research and development in Baar, with plans to demonstrate the aircraft in 2025. The certification process with the FAA has already commenced, targeting full certification, commercial deliveries, and shuttle flights by 2028.
Similar to Germany’s Lilium Jet but with a focus on hydrogen for enhanced energy storage and range, the Sirius Jet offers a Business version accommodating three passengers with a range of 1,150 miles. Meanwhile, the Millennium version, designed for commercial use and accommodating five passengers, has a reduced range of 650 miles.
Despite potential challenges, such as the efficiency of the small-fan deflected thrust system and the uncharted territory of liquid-hydrogen propulsion, Sirius aims to compete on routes like LA to San Francisco and London to Berlin.
The efficiency of the small-fan system and the deflected thrust poses challenges, but the use of hydrogen, especially in liquid form, raises significant concerns. Hydrogen-powered aviation, particularly using liquid hydrogen, remains a cutting-edge technology with limited certification and commercial use. Liquid hydrogen requires extremely low temperatures, and there’s a lack of infrastructure for both gaseous and liquid hydrogen.
The development of a liquid hydrogen powertrain concurrently with the airframe adds complexity to the ambitious program, demanding substantial investments and presenting long odds.
Despite these challenges, Sirius has the potential to succeed if it secures investors willing to make substantial, long-term investments without immediate returns. However, the appetite for such investments may have diminished due to the financial demands of the initial wave of eVTOL startups. The success of Sirius hinges on finding the right backers, and the progress of the program will be closely monitored.
