The world's largest hydrogen-electric aircraft successfully completed a ten-minute flight from Costwold Airport in the UK, as reported by Engadget.
ZeroAvia flew the 19-seat aircraft fitted with a prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain, which was part of the HyFlyer II project. The HyFlyer II project is a government-funded R&D program that makes small passenger planes better for the environment.
The aircraft's powertrain was fueled with the use of a "compressed gaseous hydrogen produced with an on-site electrolyzer." For the test, the aircraft included two fuel-cell stacks and lithium-ion battery packs housed in the cabin.
However, for the commercial use, the external storage will be moved to make room for more seats.
The aircraft was paired with a Honeywell TPE-331 stock engine on the right wing for extra power during takeoff and safety.
Commercial Routes Soon?
ZeroAvia aims to have commercial routes by 2025. The company is also working on a 2-5MW powertrain program that will scale aircraft technology up to 90 seats. Their main goal here is to expand into narrow-body planes in the next ten years. Amazon has also invested in the company.
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Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft for the Future
Though hydrogen-electric aircraft isn't the first thing that comes to mind when talking about the future of aviation, it is certainly an exciting prospect.
That's because the industry could soon face new restrictions on carbon emissions. Despite being much greener than fossil fuels, planes produce significant carbon emissions due to the high energy needed to propel them into the sky. So, the aviation industry has become more attentive to the quest for cleaner and more efficient aircraft.
ZeroAvia is by no means the only company working in this domain. There are many companies developing hydrogen-electric aircraft. Currently, the aircraft industry is facing two big problems that need solutions: energy efficiency and weight.
Most aircraft use jet fuel which is a fossil fuel, whereas hydrogen fuel is a renewable resource. This is a significant difference, as it supplies an environmentally-friendly way to fly. If you compare jet fuel to hydrogen, then you'll see a major difference in emissions. Jet fuel comes out of the ground, making it a carbon-based fuel. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is made from the sun and water, making it a renewable resource.
The Future Is Bright
The next generation of airplanes will likely carry a green tint. This is because most experts agree that the demand for air transport will only continue to rise. The new technologies that are being developed will make the skies safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. So, the future of aviation is safe with hydrogen.
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