In a move that could pave the way for future hydrogen aircraft designs, H3 Dynamics has finalized development of the first fully integrated global hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsor nacelle in France.
In a news release, the company noted that its hydrogen-electric propulsion design could ferry 20, 80, or more than 100 passengers, which would enable airlines to cover medium and long routes in excess of 1,500 miles. That would allow them to exceed the short distances possible with current battery-based aircraft technology.
“Today’s announcement marks a key milestone for H3 Dynamics and the broader aviation industry,” Taras Wankewycz, the company’s founder and CEO, said in the release. “It’s the world’s first real-working propulsion system capable of being distributed on the wings of new zero-emission aircraft.”
According to the release, the company’s hydrogen propulsion systems will be scrutinized over the coming weeks in test flights that are scheduled to commence in France. The company also noted that it has been working amid an environment of safety certification timelines, with the hope of offering unmanned platforms that are lighter and not as risky while moving toward a goal of heavier cargo and manned platforms.
The company said in the release that the journey toward hydrogen-powered flight began four years ago, when H3 Dynamics filed international patents for its full-scale distributed hydrogen propulsion and unveiled Element One, the company’s hydrogen aircraft based on the technology.
In 2020, plans were announced for a hydrogen aircraft, which opened a new phase in aviation development, H3 Dynamics said. The company also noted that it distributes several integrated powertrains that include fuel cells, batteries, hydrogen storage, and smaller electric motors situated across the wings of the aircraft. As a result, the company said, the size of all of the components is reduced, making a system that is safer and more manageable.
According to its website, H3 Dynamics has American headquarters in Pflugerville, Texas, and European headquarters in Paris.