When UK-based Zero Avia yesterday conducted a flight with a single-engine six-seater powered by its hydrogen-electric powertrain, a PowerCell MS-100 fuel cell system was an integral part of the powertrain.
The flight was the world’s first flight with a commercial single engine aircraft powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
“This proves that fuel cells and hydrogen is a well-functioning and real-world solution for more sustainable flying which will be crucial for a successful handling of the climate crisis”, Karin Nilsson, acting CEO of PowerCell Sweden said.
The maiden flight took place yesterday at the Cranfield University Airport, north of London. The plane, a single-engine six-seater Piper Malibu, had been converted for fuel cell power by the UK-based company Zero Avia and equipped with a PowerCell MS-100 fuel cell system. During the eight-minute flight the plane reached an altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed of 100 knots. The only emissions were water vapor, which is produced by the fuel cell when the hydrogen is converted into electricity.
The major milestone on the road to commercial zero-emission flight is part of the HyFlyer project, a sequential R&D program supported by the UK Government.
Dr. Val Miftakhov, CEO of Zero Avia, sees great opportunities for fuel cells within the aviation segment. Dr Miftakhov said:
“It’s hard to put into words what this means to us and our partners, but also for everybody interested in zero-emission flight. While some experimental aircraft have flown using hydrogen fuel cells as a power source, the size of this commercially available aircraft shows that paying passengers could be boarding a truly zero-emission flight very soon.”
The PowerCell MS-100 fuel cell system has been developed and designed to provide high power and a compact format. The system is easy to integrate for various applications within the vehicle segment as well as for various marine and stationary applications.
About PowerCell Sweden AB (publ)
PowerCell Sweden AB (publ) develops and produces fuel cell stacks and systems for stationary and mobile applications with a world class energy density. The fuel cells are powered by hydrogen, pure or reformed, and produce electricity and heat with no emissions other than water. As the stacks and systems are compact, modular and scalable, they are easily adjusted to any customer need.
PowerCell was founded in 2008 as an industrial spinout from the Volvo Group. The share (PCELL) is since 2014 subject to trade at Nasdaq First North Growth Market, Stockholm. G&W Fondkommission is Certified Adviser, e-mail: [email protected], phone: +46 8 503 000 50.
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