30 April 2025
Bosch Aviation Technology has unveiled a pioneering hydrogen aircraft engine concept demonstrating a retrofitted Rotax 916 engine.
Bosch says it could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of General Aviation.
In just four months, Bosch engineers modified a standard 1.4-litre four-cylinder Rotax gasoline engine for hydrogen operation, using components already in volume production by Bosch.
The result is a hydrogen-powered aircraft engine delivering 115 kW — about 154hp – close to the original petrol engine’s performance while producing virtually no particulate emissions.
“Rather than starting from scratch, we built on a proven platform and integrated our expertise in hydrogen technology,” said Christian Grim, General Manager of Vienna-based Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH. “This makes the solution both faster to market and more cost-effective for customers.”
Bosch says the retrofitted engine is an example of the company’s strategy to leverage its automotive experience for aviation, something it has been working on for over 15 years.
The project aligns with broader climate goals, such as the European Green Deal, and reflects rising interest in sustainable propulsion technologies.
Looking ahead, Bosch says further development of the hydrogen prototype could yield even greater performance, bringing clean aviation one step closer to take-off.
