Universal Hydrogen’s New Era Flight Dash-8 Makes Successful Flight With Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The Dash-8 with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion just made its maiden test flight in Washington.

The test showed that hydrogen could be useful for shorter flights if technical and regulatory progress makes it possible for mainstream use.

Dash-8s can transport up to 50 passengers on shorter trips, but the modified version carried just two pilots, an engineer, and tech onboard.

The powertrain does not use a battery, and the fuel cells drive the electric motor directly, which drastically reduces cost.

Universal Hydrogen aims to convert regional aircraft into hydrogen fuel cell propulsion by 2025, with a growing order book of 247 aircraft modifications from 16 customers worldwide.

American Connect Airlines has committed to being North America's first zero-emission airline and plans to convert 75 ATR 72-600 regional airplanes to hydrogen powertrains along with Universal Hydrogen.

The modified interior of the Dash-8 contained two sets of electronics and sensors and a large double hydrogen tank section with 30 kg of fuel.

The flight showed the viability of hydrogen as a fuel for short trip passenger aircraft and could help address the aviation industry's emissions problem, which is currently responsible for about 2.5% of global emissions and predicted to grow by 4% annually.

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