The world's first-ever fuel cell-powered aeroplane took to the skies for the first time in Germany yesterday (7th July).

Developed by the German Aerospace Centre, the manned Antares DLR-H2 embarked on its maiden flight from Hamburg Airport, taking off purely through fuel cell propulsion.

The aircraft is viewed by its creators as a major step forward in aviation technology as it generates no CO2 emissions, while also flying with less noise than its counterparts.

"We have improved the performance capabilities and efficiency of the fuel cell to such an extent that a piloted aircraft is now able to take off using it," said DLR Chairman Professor Johann-Dietrich Wörner.

"Coupled with our expertise in fuel cell technology, DLR's many years of extensive experience in gaining official approval for aerospace systems are what made the Antares DLR-H2 a feasible proposition."

The fuel cell propulsion system, which was developed at the DLR Institute for Technical Thermodynamics (DLRITT), offers the Antares a flying range of 750km within a five-hour period.

Initial stability concerns over the external load carriers containing the hydrogen and fuel cells have been overcome and the aircraft can now reach a maximum speed of 170 km/h.

The system offers up to 25kW of electrical power, but only 10kW is required for flying in a straight line, with the fuel cell running at about 52 per cent of its efficiency.

"With our successful first flight, we have verified the feasibility of fuel-cell powered flight and our next steps will focus on improving efficiency levels and on extending the service life of these systems," added Antares Project Manager Josef Kallio, from the DLRITT.

Source:

DLR motor glider Antares takes off in Hamburg – powered by a fuel cell (07/07/09)

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