The first-ever manned flights of an aircraft powered by a hydrogen fuel cell containing platinum have taken place.

Conducted by Intelligent Energy and Boeing, the three flights were carried out in Spain earlier this year and saw a two-seater aircraft reach 1,000m using a battery and fuel cell power before cruising at 100km per hour using power generated by the Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system.

Jon Moore of Intelligent Energy believes the flight represents an important milestone for fuel cells.

Speaking to BusinessGreen.com, he said: "At the moment the onboard power systems are either parasitic to the jet engines or are charged up using internal combustion engines on the ground. What this flight proves is that fuel cells can be used successfully in an aviation context and could provide a much cleaner alternative to existing auxiliary power systems."

Boeing does not believe that the fuel cells will ever be used to power large commercial air craft although it agreed that the technology could make planes more environmentally friendly.

"The problem is nothing can mirror the power to weight ratio of jet engines. When everything else has changed and we're all driving round in electric cars, jet engines are likely to be the only [carbon emitting technology] that will remain," said Mr Moore.

Source:

UK firm undertakes first manned fuel cell powered flight, 03/04/08
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2213464/uk-firm-undertakes-first-manned

First battery-powered aircraft gives lift-off to hopes of greener flight, 04/04/08
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3672029.ece