Hydrogen-Powered Flight – UAS and piloted experiences

Recently two important demonstrations have been conducted using electric engines to fly different types of aircrafts. It is a new technique that can bring great advantages: one for all, they forecast 80% reduction of the Cost in respect of Existing Solutions

1 Official Demonstrative Flight in Italy under European Union program – RAPID200FC official demonstrative flight was held at Reggio Emilia (Italy) airport. A new speed world record of 135 km/h (flown of 4 consecutive runs over a 3 km course – according to FAI Sporting Code, Class C Aeroplanes) was established. Also several higher speed at 145-150 Km/h for tens of seconds were measured during free flights. The flight reached an endurance of 45 minutes. Three more flights were recorded on 26th and 27th May with a total of 3 hours of flight for the experimental aircraft.

Further info can be downloaded here

2  Global ObserverTM unmanned aircraft system first flight under JCTD program – the UAV was powered by the aircraft’s hydrogen-fueled propulsion system at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in California. This milestone marks the beginning of high altitude, long endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program.

Further info can be downloaded here