Tech
6 Upcoming Hydrogen-Powered Aircrafts: From Flying Cars to Jets
By Xavier Roxy
May 15, 2024
Here are six hydrogen-powered aircraft that could be hitting the skies soon:
1. Airlander 10: Designed by Hybrid Air Vehicles, this airship is a combination of an airplane and a blimp. It uses helium to provide 60% of its lift, while the remaining comes from its aerodynamic shape and four diesel engines. However, the company plans to replace these engines with hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission flights.
2. Element One: This aircraft was designed by Singapore-based start-up HES Energy Systems and can carry up to four passengers on journeys ranging between 500 and 5,000 kilometers, depending on whether it's configured for short or long hauls. The company aims to have commercial operations running by 2025.
3. Skai: Developed by Alaka'i Technologies in collaboration with BMW’s Designworks studio, Skai has six electric motors powered by a liquid-hydrogen fuel cell system that gives two hours of flight time plus half an hour of reserve.
4.ZeroAvia ZA600: An American-British aviation technology firm, ZeroAvia, is developing a six-seater propeller plane powered entirely by a hydrogen-electric powertrain, which they claim will have range capabilities of over 800km upon release in late 2023.
5. HyPoint TurboAir: HyPoint has developed a "turbo air-cooled" fuel cell system specifically for eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing), drones, and regional aircraft that promises three times more power than current battery systems at half the weight—all thanks to hydrogen power!
6. Airbus ZEROe Concept Jets: Airbus has presented three ZEROe concept jets as part of their ambition towards a decarbonized aviation industry. These include a turbofan design (120–200 passengers) with a range of over 3700 km; a turboprop design (up to 100 passengers) targeting short-range trips; and lastly, 'the blended-wing body' design (up to 200 passengers), which is a new aircraft configuration where wings merge with the main body of the aircraft.
As these hydrogen-powered developments continue to progress, they hold great promise for the future of aviation. With their potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and operate at high efficiencies, such technologies could revolutionize air travel as we know it today. However, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development and cost-effectiveness.
In conclusion, while there are hurdles yet to overcome before these visions can become reality, the movement towards hydrogen propulsion in aviation is gaining momentum. As society continues to seek solutions for climate change and sustainable energy sources, it's clear that hydrogen-powered aircraft have significant potential to contribute positively toward these goals.
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