World’s first four-seater hydrogen fuel cell plane takes to the skies in Germany
by The Associated Press
Canadian-made fuel cells propel small dual-cockpit plane on first test flight
The dual cockpit plane took off on a 10-minute test flight Thursday, streaking into the sky almost silently. PHOTO: Pipistrel
BERLIN—Aircraft engineers in Germany have successfully tested the world’s first four-seater plane that uses emission-free hybrid fuel cells to fly.
The 10-minute test flight Sept. 29 at Stuttgart Airport in southwestern Germany involved two pilots and two dummy passengers.
The twin-cabin plane, known as HY4, was developed by aircraft maker Pipistrel, the University of Ulm, the German Aerospace Center DLR and Canadian fuel cell maker Hydrogenics Corp.
It uses hydrogen to generate electricity in-flight, giving it a cruising speed of 165 kilometres per hour (102.5 mph) and a range of up to 1,500 kilometres (932 miles), while relying on batteries for take-off and landing. Powered by the hydrogen-electric system, the plane is nearly silent.
Boeing and Airbus have also tested smaller fuel cell planes in recent years as the aircraft industry searches for ways to reduce emissions.
The flight is the second major landmark for Mississauga, Ont.-based Hydrogenics’ technology this month. The company’s fuel cells also took to the rails in the world’s first hydrogen-powered train Sept. 20.
Watch the fuel cell flyer take off from Stuttgart Airport:
