The prototype hydrogen aircraft developed by China has a cruising speed of 180 km/h and experiences less turbulence compared to similar-powered aircraft.
The prototype four-seat hydrogen internal combustion engine aircraft completed its first flight in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, northeastern China, on January 29. According to test pilot Xu Xiaoben, at an altitude of 200 meters, the aircraft exhibited acceptable levels of vibration and good performance.
Prototype four-seat hydrogen aircraft from China. (Photo: China News Service).
The aircraft measures 8.2 meters in length and can store up to 4.5 kg of high-pressure hydrogen. Its cruising speed reaches approximately 180 km/h, with a maximum thermal efficiency of over 43% from the hydrogen internal combustion engine. The engine power output is 120 kW, enabling the aircraft to take off and land at most general aviation airports and meet daily operational requirements.
To prevent explosions due to hydrogen gas leaks, the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) has installed a ventilation channel to circulate air within the hydrogen storage compartment, helping to eliminate any leaked hydrogen gas. The team of experts also developed a specialized shock absorber for the hydrogen engine, which reduces turbulence by 40% compared to similarly powered aircraft, significantly enhancing comfort for the pilot.
The new aircraft model will be showcased at the 2024AERO Airshow in Germany in April, featuring ground demonstrations with propellers. This is the first independently developed hydrogen-powered general aviation aircraft in China, marking an important milestone in the country’s pursuit of “green” aviation.
As the world increasingly focuses on clean energy and carbon emissions control in the aviation industry, hydrogen-fueled aircraft are expected to gain popularity in the future, according to Sun Xiaoping, chief technician at LGAA. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that is highly regarded internationally, with carbon emissions from hydrogen aircraft being nearly zero.
