#Switzerland #H55 #Electric Aviation #Sion #Propulsion Batteries

H55 Leads the Charge for Electric Aviation Certification

In a groundbreaking achievement for the electric aviation industry, H55 has successfully completed all the necessary regulatory certification tests for propulsion batteries. This important milestone addresses a crucial barrier that has long hindered the commercial viability and funding of electric aircraft programs. Conducted under the supervision of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and completed on December 19, 2025, this certification campaign positions H55 at the forefront of efforts to establish certified and safe propulsion battery systems for aviation.

The Challenge of Certification

Electric aviation has faced persistent challenges in demonstrating to regulatory authorities that high-energy propulsion batteries can safely withstand the worst-case failure scenarios, particularly regarding fire propagation. H55’s recent accomplishment not only highlights its technological capabilities but also sets robust safety standards that future aviation programs will be evaluated against. The tests confirmed that commercially available lithium cells can be effectively integrated into reliable aircraft propulsion battery systems.

Validation to Certification

This significant step transcends mere documentation of safety performance. It confirms H55's ability to design and manufacture propulsion battery systems adhering to the required safety certification standards. Furthermore, the testing was carried out within the context of certified production processes, ensuring that all results were both reliable and reproducible.

H55's unique energy storage system design incorporates monitoring, redundancy, and risk mitigation at the cell level. These principles are fundamental in ensuring the confinement of extreme failure scenarios, thus aligning with air safety requirements. The certification established by H55 creates a reproducible precedent for battery technology rather than focusing solely on a single aircraft program, reducing the adoption risks for aerospace manufacturers, operators, insurers, and investors alike.

Paving the Way for Future Developments

With these comprehensive certification efforts, H55 has effectively transitioned from validation to mainstream deployment. The architecture laid down by H55’s first compliant propulsion battery system enables accelerated development and regulatory progress for fully electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The test results and infrastructure developed during this campaign support several active client programs including BRM B23 Energic and CAE's transition to entirely electric pilot training platforms.

André Borschberg, co-founder and Executive Chairman of H55, expressed the company's mission: "H55 was established with the sole purpose of making electric aviation certifiable, not just feasible. The successful completion of these tests confirms our focus and ambition. Electric aviation can meet the same certification and safety requirements as conventional aircraft."

Transforming Risk into Trust

Rob Solomon, CEO of H55, remarked that this success leads to a crucial turning point for electric aviation. By completing the first set of EASA-approved battery tests, H55 has resolved a major technical obstacle in the certification process, significantly reducing risks for various stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem. The integrated monitoring and protection measures for each cell redefine the propulsion battery from a “black box” risk to an actuarially transparent asset. This transition establishes essential safeguards for regulatory certification and fleet insurability, which is paving the way for a new commercial model in the aviation sector.

Enhancing Global Collaboration

Working closely with multiple aviation authorities, including the FAA, H55 is driving international certification recognition. The test outcomes will be reported to the FAA to support expedited certification processes within the U.S. market, enhancing H55's presence and opportunities in North America.

A Bright Future for Electric Aviation

As electric aviation continues to grow, H55's accomplishments in battery certification signal the transition from speculative development to a commercial category. This achievement not only redefines how aviation programs are assessed and financed but also leverages the insights gained from their extensive experience in aviation and battery technology. The rigorous testing and comprehensive understanding of battery behavior in failure scenarios will lead to safer, more efficient, and more reliable electric aircraft in the future.

About H55

H55 is a Swiss company focused on certified electric propulsion systems and high-quality energy storage solutions for aviation. By transforming lithium cells into safe energy storage systems approved by aviation authorities, H55 is facilitating the development of electric aviation while ensuring that all products meet stringent safety standards. Founded from the technological advancements of the Solar Impulse program, H55 has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours without a single battery-related incident, showcasing its practical expertise in this evolving field. With its strengthened leadership team, H55 is poised for further industrialization and international growth, committed to making electric aviation a reality.