First hydrogen-powered aircraft takes flight in ‘major’ breakthrough for the industry

[Peace Piper]

First hydrogen-powered aircraft takes flight in ‘major’ breakthrough for the industry

September 25, 2020 | ZD NET.com

The first flight of a hydrogen-powered, commercial-grade aircraft has been completed successfully in the United Kingdom.

ZeroAvia's Piper M-class craft, a six-seater plane powered by hydrogen fuel cells rather than traditional fossil fuels, took to the skies across Cranfield, England -- managing to complete a taxi, takeoff, a flight circuit, and landing without a hitch.

While preliminary tests and demonstrations of hydrogen-powered electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles have appeared in a scattergun fashion over the past few years -- such as the unveiling of Alaka'i Technologies' Skai taxi -- ZeroAvia says the Piper M-class is the "largest hydrogen-powered aircraft in the world," and one that appears to be quickly advancing in its flight capabilities.

ZeroAvia, based in both London and California, is focused on the development of commercially-viable craft able to transport up to 20 passengers, as well as EVs suited for deliveries and agricultural purposes.

The fledgling company, having only been in operation since 2017, says that a hydrogen-electric powertrain, which is zero-emission as it converts liquid hydrogen to electricity and only includes hydrogen and oxygen in the power chain, will "decarbonize commercial aviation."

ZeroAvia says that without any new, fundamental science, hydrogen-powered craft already have the potential to "match the flight distances and payload of the current fossil fuel aircraft" in the future... MORE: https://www.zdnet.com/article/first-...-the-industry/



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Airbus reveals 'zero emissions' hydrogen-fuelled aircraft for 2035

21 September 2020 | UK TELEGRAPH

Jet fuel-powered commercial aviation contributes around 2pc of all global carbon emissions and that figure has been rising. This has led to airlines experimenting with more fuel efficient aircraft and even electric designs for short trips.

But aircraft manufacturers face not only the challenge of designing safe, carbon neutral aircraft but also upending their supply chains.

Airport infrastructure would need to be re-configured to support hydrogen re-fuelling, while challenges remain in the costly process of isolating hydrogen fuel.

Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief executive, said: “These concepts will help us explore and mature the design and layout of the world’s first climate-neutral, zero-emission commercial aircraft, which we aim to put into service by 2035.

“The transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for these concept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem.”

“I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen - both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft - has the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact.” MORE: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...aircraft-2035/

[Danke]

Already got one.

[pcosmar]

Already got one.

I knew you were gonna say that.


These are very cool.

[XNavyNuke]

I guess the magic word is "commercial-grade" aircraft since NACA was testing a hydrogen powered B-57 back in the 50's with Project Bee.

Only 70 years and a butt load of green subsidies to bring the technology to the private aircraft owner. That will be a nice option when Gov. Newsome outlaws fossil fuel powered Cessna's and Pipers in California.

XNN

[pcosmar]

https://nanotechnology.news/2020-10-...atteries.html#

In a study published in the journal ACS Nano, Canadian researchers posited that supercapacitors made from the waste fibers of hemp may be “on par with or better than commercial graphene-based devices.”

Using hemp to make batteries and supercapacitors offers advantages that are absent when using synthetic materials. According to Mitlin, the fiber-based nanosheet costs only a thousandth of the price of graphene. On top of that, it’s made of recycled materials.

Airplanes will get High on Pot. LOL

[pcosmar]

I guess the magic word is "commercial-grade" aircraft since NACA was testing a hydrogen powered B-57 back in the 50's with Project Bee.

Boeing has had them in Service (Quietly) for years..

https://www.boeing.com/defense/phantom-eye/

[pcosmar]

Planes Trains and Automobiles.. exciting..