WATCH: 523mile emission free eVTOL flight takes off
A hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff vehicle has reached a ‘landmark’ moment in its journey by testing first-of-a-kind technology.
Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft has successfully flown more than 500 miles, with water the only resulting emission from the trip. Taking off and landing at the company’s facilities in California, with the vehicle the first to have a hydrogen fuel cell integrated into the propulsion system for forward flight testing.
By upgrading the technology, the eVTOL’s range has increasing significantly on a 155mile flight conducted in 2021, using only battery-electric power. Post-landing,t eh hydrogen cell remained 10% full. Germany-based H2FLY developed the hydrogen system, which had already been used on another of Joby’s designs in September last year – the first time it had been operated on a piloted flight.
‘Imagine being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport and with no emissions except water,’ said JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation. ‘That world is closer than ever, and the progress we’ve made towards certifying the battery-electric version of our aircraft gives us a great head start as we look ahead to making hydrogen-electric flight a reality.
‘I’m incredibly proud of the teams that made this achievement possible. It’s a testament to excellent cooperation and perfectly illustrates the potential of fuel cell systems for a greener future in aviation,’ added Professor Josef Kallo, founder and CEO of H2FLY.’
Earlier this year, a new hydrogen fuelled vertical take-off aircraft capable of carrying up to three passengers successfully completed a 1,150mile flight.
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Image: Joby Aviation