German electric aircraft powertrain maker H2FLY proudly announced on Thursday the successful culmination of the “world’s first” piloted flight of an electric aircraft based on liquid hydrogen, according to the press release.
Test flight details
H2FLY’s most recent aerial test campaign involved four independent flights using the HY4 demonstrator electric aircraft. It marks the first time a human pilot controlled the aircraft.
H2FLY utilized cryogenically stored liquid hydrogen (LH2) in this particular powertrain. It reduces the weight and volume of the tank compared to the usual pressurized gaseous hydrogen storage (GH2).
The test flight demonstrated the propulsion system’s capacity to increase the maximum range of the HY4 aircraft by twofold from just 750 km to 1,500 km.
“This achievement marks a watershed moment in the use of hydrogen to power aircraft. Together with our partners, we have demonstrated the viability of liquid hydrogen to support medium and long-range emissions-free flight.”
Professor Josef Kallo, H2FLY cofounder
About H2FLY
American aerospace firm Joby Aviation bought H2FLY in 2021. With Joby’s support, H2FLY was able to defend its dominance in the development of hydrogen aviation propulsion systems up until now.
H2FLY previously accomplished multiple manned test flights with its HY4 demonstrator aircraft. One of them apparently lasted over three hours owing to its hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system powered by liquid hydrogen.
What’s next?
H2FLY aims to pursue the development and commercialization of the new H2F-175 fuel cell systems. It strongly believes that this technology can enable the aircraft to hit a maximum power range of up to 27,000 feet altitudes.
It also aims to leverage its upcoming Hydrogen Aviation Center at the Stuttgart Airport to develop new electric aircraft powertrain technology breakthroughs.
“We are now looking ahead to scaling up our technology for regional aircraft and other applications, beginning the critical mission of decarbonizing commercial aviation.”
Professor Josef Kallo, H2FLY cofounder
See Also:
- Universal Hydrogen receives FAA certification for hydrogen-powered aircraft
- ZeroAvia completes first test flight of the world’s biggest hydrogen-electric aircraft
- Can aircraft jet engines be replaced by hydrogen fuel-cell technology?
- Eve Air Mobility’s Electric Aircraft: Paving the way for sustainable aviation
- Destinus reports successful test flight of world’s first hypersonic hydrogen-powered jet
H2FLY’s successful test flight demonstrated the LH2’s capability to power an electric aircraft. It can potentially accelerate the aeronautics industry’s adoption of clean energy. In effect, it would aid the global push to reduce carbon emissions, particularly from the transportation sector.
