Boeing plans fuel cell flyer

Boeing researchers and industry partners throughout Europe plan to conduct experimental flight tests this year of a manned airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries.

The systems integration phase of the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane research project, under way since 2003 at Boeing Research and Technology - Europe (BR&TE), was completed recently. Systems integration testing is now under way in preparation for upcoming ground and flight-testing.

‘Given the efficiency and environmental benefits of emerging fuel cell technology, Boeing wants to be on the forefront of developing and applying it to aerospace products,’ said Francisco Escarti, BR&TE managing director. ‘The Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane project is an important step in that direction.’

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat without combustion. The Boeing demonstrator uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power an electric motor, which is coupled to a conventional propeller. The fuel cell provides all power for the cruise phase of flight. During takeoff and climb, the flight segment that requires the most power, the system draws on lightweight lithium-ion batteries.