Hydrogen Research Accelerates the Future of Aviation
As companies push the limits of hydrogen fuel cell technology, the future of hydrogen-electric propulsion in aircraft takes flight with innovative developments from Textron eAviation, Joby Aviation, and ACS.
Hydrogen research is accelerating rapidly as companies push the boundaries of gaseous and liquid hydrogen fuel cell technology, advancing the future of hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion. Textron eAviation’s Tony Lacorte emphasized significant strides in their battery-electric Nexus tilt-propeller eVTOL and Pipistrel’s hybrid-electric Nuuva uncrewed cargo system, along with developments in Pipistrel’s battery- and hydrogen-electric eCTOL aircraft.
In parallel, Joby Aviation has been conducting test flights of its SHy4 hydrogen eVTOL technology demonstrator since June, marking an early stage in integrating hydrogen propulsion into its aircraft. Joby’s Ryan Naru explained that while the company remains committed to certifying its battery-powered eVTOL, it is also showcasing the potential of hydrogen. “We’re trying to demonstrate what’s possible with current technology, supported by the next generation,” said Naru. He further highlighted the importance of volumetric efficiency, particularly in relation to the storage of hydrogen onboard.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, Naru pointed to the need for collaboration with regulators to modernize airports with hydrogen facilities, referencing provisions in the 2024 US FAA Reauthorization Act. Darryn La Zar, senior director at ACS, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of safe hydrogen production and storage at vertiports to ensure the smooth operation of future hydrogen flight networks. La Zar also noted that hydrogen may need to be locally produced at airports to maintain a reliable supply, and there is much to be learned from the automotive sector in managing safety risks related to hydrogen fuel.
#HydrogenAviation #SustainableFlight #HydrogenFuel #eVTOL #AviationInnovation #CleanEnergy