Canada's Milestone: First Piloted Hydrogen-Powered Helicopter Takes Flight
Key Ideas
- Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) completes the first piloted hydrogen-powered helicopter flight globally, marking a significant milestone in zero-emission air mobility.
- The successful demonstration in Bromont, Québec, showcases the capabilities of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell system for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flight.
- Unither Bioélectronique's next phase involves integrating a liquid hydrogen storage system to enable extended-range missions for delivering organ alternatives to patients in need.
- The achievement, part of Project Proticity with Robinson Helicopter Company, highlights Canada's leadership in accelerating zero-emission aviation through hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion systems.
Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) made history by completing the world's first flight demonstration of a piloted hydrogen-powered helicopter at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec. The three-minute, 16-second flight validated the capabilities of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell system for VTOL flight. Unither Bioélectronique's successful test flight focused on hover and maneuver capabilities, with plans to integrate a liquid hydrogen storage system for extended-range missions delivering organ alternatives. This achievement is part of Project Proticity, showcasing Canadian innovation and leadership in zero-emission air mobility. Test pilot Ric Webb, under an experimental flight permit from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), flew the experimental Robinson R44 Raven II with a dual PEM fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain, powered mainly by hydrogen fuel cells. The executive director of CAAM, JR Hammond, highlighted the significance of this milestone in proving the feasibility of clean aviation and showcasing Canada's role in shaping the global future of zero-emission aviation.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Aviation
Technology
Innovation
Sustainability
Zero-emission
Leadership
Flight Demonstration
Organ Delivery
Latest News