Hydrogen-electric passenger plane HY4 flies emission free over 240 km (150 miles)

Source: · MAHEPA · | June 16, 2021

Source: mahepa

Hydrogen-electric passenger planes can shape the emission free future of aviation. The MAHEPA consortium showed the feasibility of passenger transport in aviation by using a special improved fuel cell system, which provides electric power directly from on board stored hydrogen. With a refueling capability in minutes and a useful energy storage capability of 3 to 5 times better than batteries, even long-range flights are possible. The HY4 plane, owned by H2FLY GmbH, was refurbished during MAHEPA project with the sixth generation of fuel cell electric powertrain and achieved a test range of more than 150 miles (240 km) with a payload of 400 kg. During the flight test a fraction of the stored hydrogen was used, allowing even a significant reserve. The fuel cell system efficiency was higher than 44 % in cruise.

“The overall hydrogen propulsion system architecture developed by H2FLY engineers is a milestone in aviation”, says Dr. Josef Kallo, CEO of H2FLY GmbH and adds “This was only possible in cooperation with all partners from MAHEPA and further national funded programs.”