Unresolved Challenges of Fuel Cell Propulsion Systems in Urban Air Mobility: An MBSE-Based Systematic Literature Review

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unresolved challenges in fuel cell propulsion system integration in small-category VTOL-capable aircraft, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature by elaborating an MBSE-based systematic literature review with the PRISMA content analysis strategy. The methodology reviewed 122 papers in peer-reviewed journals published from 2000 to 2024 and included keyword research in four relevant publication platforms before analyzing the papers in a deductive MBSE V-model strategy combined with an inductive, data-driven research analysis. The results reveal a significant misalignment between identified barriers and proposed future research, indicating that current R&D efforts are not addressing the most pressing integration challenges. The findings provide evidence that patterns of research fragmentation and life-cycle disconnect have emerged, offering significant implications for future research in the field.

Keywords: fuel cell propulsion system; model-based system engineering; proton exchange membrane fuel cell; urban air mobility