Success for hydrogen powered plane

US-based aerospace manufacturer Boeing has successfully trialled a manned flight powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The hydrogen powered plane, manufactured in Austria, and modified by Boeing’s Spanish research facility, succeeded in a 20 minute level flight at 1,000 metres (3,300 feet).

Extra power from a lithium-ion battery was needed to give the plane climb performance.

Boeing Commercial Airlines have been working on the plane with BR&TE since 2003. Partners in the design include UK-based hydrogen cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy, who recently announced the release of a hydrogen fuel-cell powered motorbike, as reported on Fair Home.

Boeing have said that the technology used to power the plane is suitable for most small aircraft, and could be used as a back-up or complementary power on larger planes.

However, it is unlikely that the technology could ever be used as the sole power for large passenger planes.

The test flight is part of Boeing’s ongoing research into alternative energy sources and fuels. The potential of hydrogen power will continue to be researched by the company.