Two American companies develop new hydrogen fuel cells for the 5-seat PA-890 helicopter, enhancing flight range and reducing refueling wait times.
The hydrogen fuel cell company HyPoint has partnered with aircraft manufacturer Piasecki Aircraft on the project to create the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger helicopter, as reported by New Atlas on August 26th. Additionally, the two companies plan to develop a hydrogen fuel cell system that can be equipped on all types of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This system will provide aircraft with abundant energy, increasing flight range while allowing for quick refueling instead of lengthy battery charging.
Design of the electric PA-890 helicopter. (Photo: Piasecki Aircraft)
HyPoint stated that the new fuel cell system can achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 2,000 W per kg, three times higher than that of traditional hydrogen fuel cell systems. Its energy density will also reach up to 1,500 Wh per kg, enabling longer distance flights. In contrast, commercially available lithium batteries rarely exceed 300 Wh per kg.
HyPoint’s lightweight fuel cell system has been validated through laboratory testing with prototypes. It can generate sufficient continuous power to meet the demands of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft without the need for heavy auxiliary batteries.
According to the initial plan, five 650 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems will be integrated into Piasecki Aircraft’s PA-890 helicopter. The PA-890 is a 5-seat electric helicopter featuring slow-rotating blades and large additional wings for improved flight efficiency. The tail rotor will tilt backward when the aircraft moves forward to act as a propeller. Moreover, the wings can tilt 90 degrees to avoid obstructing the main rotor during takeoff and landing.
“We are focused on developing and enhancing the quality of the 650 kW power system for the PA-890 helicopter. This will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger helicopter. This success will pave the way for collaboration with original equipment manufacturers for other electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, ensuring that the new technology is widely adopted,” said John Piasecki, president and CEO of Piasecki Aircraft.
“Initial laboratory testing funded by Piasecki last winter demonstrated the technical feasibility of HyPoint’s hydrogen fuel cell system,” he added. Piasecki Aircraft and HyPoint aim to develop full-sized power systems within two years for aircraft testing in 2024, followed by fulfilling customer orders in 2025.
