Universal Hydrogen begins flight test campaign for hydrogen regional aircraft

The record-setting first flight was followed by a successful June 2023 ferry of the aircraft from Moses Lake, US to Mojave, California, US, which also included several 'firsts' and demonstrated an expanded operating envelope for the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Universal Hydrogen has now achieved 10 test flights as it marches towards its goal of commercial entry into service in 2026.

“It's truly exciting to see Universal Hydrogen's zero emission plane flying over California’s skies," said Angelina Galiteva, ARCHES CEO. “It's a great example of how California based companies like Universal Hydrogen are working to alleviate the impacts of climate change and improve local air quality all while bringing tangible community benefits like good paying jobs and technological innovation to California. We look forward to partnering with Universal Hydrogen, as part of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub, to make zero emission flight a commercial reality for everyone.”

The most recent flight marks the beginning of a two-year flight test campaign that will first continue to optimise the performance of the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain including the introduction of new hardware, including a new custom-developed, aviation-grade turbocompressor that will allow flights up to 25 000 feet MSL, the operating ceiling of the Dash 8. Second, the test programme will introduce Universal Hydrogen’s patented modular liquid hydrogen fuel storage system. And finally, it will commence certification testing to prove that the production configuration of the aircraft meets all of the FAA-mandated airworthiness and safety requirements. The company reached a major milestone recently with the issuance by the FAA of the G-1 issue paper, which details the certification basis for hydrogen-powered commercial passenger aircraft.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/27092023/universal-hydrogen-begins-flight-test-campaign-for-hydrogen-regional-aircraft/