(Mojave / USA) – Universal Hydrogen Co. has launched a “flight test and maturation campaign” for its hydrogen aircraft. This follows the successful first flight of what the company says is “the world’s largest hydrogen-powered fuel cell aircraft” in March 2023. After the first flight in Moses Lake (Washington), the new one took place in June 2023 base transferred to the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. Universal Hydrogen has now completed ten test flights and is “coming closer to its goal of starting commercial operations in 2026”.
The fuel cell aircraft taking off from Mojave. © Universal Hydrogen Co.
A new flight a few weeks ago lasted about 20 minutes, during which the flaps and landing gear were retracted and the aircraft reached an altitude of 5.000 feet above sea level before returning for several flyovers over the Air & Space Port. The conventional engine, which was also installed on board for safety reasons, was throttled down and the hydrogen drive was set to full power. Among other things, the noise reduction that the fuel cell drive is likely to bring about was measured. The hydrogen fuel cell engine was operated at maximum power at takeoff and operated throughout the flight.
The flight marks the beginning of a two-year flight test campaign in which the performance of the fuel cell powertrain will initially be further optimized. In addition, a newly developed turbo compressor will be installed, which will enable flights up to an altitude of 25.000 feet - the operating limit of the De Havilland DHC-8-300 (Dash 8).
Proof of US Federal Aviation Administration
In addition, a modular liquid hydrogen storage system from Universal Hydrogen will be introduced as part of the test program. Subsequent certification testing verified that the aircraft's production configuration met all airworthiness and safety requirements mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The company had decided to move its base from Moses Lake to Mojave Air & Space Port, 800 miles away, to strengthen its presence in California. The headquarters and technical center are already located there in Hawthorne.
They also hope to benefit from the pool of technicians in Mojave and nearby Los Angeles. Universal Hydrogen is also working on certifying a powertrain that can convert existing regional aircraft to run on hydrogen.
Photos
The Dash-8 “Lightning McClean” over the Mojave Desert. © Universal Hydrogen Co.
