H2Fly’s Groundbreaking Twin-Fuselage Aircraft Achieves Historic Liquid Hydrogen Flight

Liquid hydrogen: the groundbreaking solution for decarbonizing long-range flight

H2Fly has achieved a monumental feat in the world of clean aviation by successfully completing the first piloted flight powered by liquid hydrogen. Liquid green hydrogen is an eco-friendly fuel that produces only water vapor when burned and can efficiently power electric motors through fuel cells. It boasts an impressive energy density, with 2.8 times more energy per weight compared to jet fuel. However, handling liquid hydrogen presents significant challenges; it must be kept extremely cold, close to absolute zero, to maintain its liquid state.

Despite these difficulties, H2Fly managed to double the range of its Pipistrel Taurus HY4 aircraft by switching from gaseous hydrogen fuel to liquid, increasing the maximum range from 750 km to 1,500 km. This achievement far surpasses the capabilities of current battery technology for long-distance flights.

This innovative aircraft, known as the twin-fuselage Pipistrel Taurus HY4, features a unique design that separates the pilot in one fuselage and the fuel system in the other. Meanwhile, the central nacelle houses the electric propulsion system and hydrogen-converting fuel cells.

H2Fly has not only achieved the world’s first piloted liquid hydrogen flight; it has also successfully completed three additional missions at an airfield in Maribor, Slovenia. The flights demonstrated safe and efficient operations, as well as confirmed the expected range figures. H2Fly’s co-founder, Professor Josef Kallo, described this achievement as a groundbreaking moment that paves the way for emissions-free, medium and long-range flights with liquid hydrogen. The company aims to scale up its technology for regional aircraft and other applications, marking a crucial step in decarbonizing commercial aviation.