Boeing's Hydrogen-Powered Airplane, a First

In a press statement released yesterday, the aircraft manufacturer Boeing revealed that it had built the first airplane in the world running on power supplied by hydrogen-cell batteries. However, Boeing warned that although the hydrogen-cells may be used to power small airplanes, it might never become the primary power source for large military and civilian aircrafts. The prototype presented by Boeing, is a small vehicle capable of carrying two people and is propeller driven.

"For the first time in the history of aviation, Boeing has flown a manned airplane that was powered by a hydrogen battery. This is a historical technological success for Boeing and full of promises for a greener future," said Boeing chief technology office John Tracy during the press conference that took place in Ocana, Spain.

During the test, the hydrogen-powered airplane, measuring 6.5 meters long, having a wingspan of 16.3 meters and a weight of 800 kilograms, flew about 20 minutes at altitudes reaching 1,000 meters with a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour, using only the power supplied by the hydrogen fuel cell.

Hydrogen power cells produce electrical energy by processing hydrogen and oxygen gas into water. By doing so, the only byproduct obtained in the burn is water. According to Boeing, the fuel cell of the aircraft was positioned under the set of the pilot and the oxygen gas was supplied from a containing cylinder very similar to those used by underwater divers.

The aircraft, relied solely on the power provided by the fuel cell, except for the takeoff, when additional power was provided from the electric batteries of the aircraft. "The company will continue to explore their potential as well as that of all durable sources of energy that boost environmental performance," said Francisco Escarti, director of Boeing's research center in Ocana.

It might not be used as primary power source for large airplanes, but it could still provide with secondary power even if implementing the technology may take some time. "In my opinion, we are talking about a delay of about twenty years," said engineer Nieves Lapena, responsible for the test.

Fuel efficiency and renewable power sources, are amongst the top priorities of vehicle manufacturers, especially while talking about auto makers such as General Motors, Nissan or BMW. "Boeing recognizes that pollution represents a serious environmental challenge," concluded Tracy. Its next model, the Dreamliner, will benefit from the advantages of using light materials and efficient power systems that will consume up to 20 percent less fuel that those currently available on the market.