Hydrogen-powered Plane Takes Off in Spain

The first manned, hydrogen-powered plane has been successfully tested in the skies above Spain, its makers say. The small, propeller-driven craft, developed by aviation giant Boeing, made three short flights at an airfield south of Madrid, the company said.

It was powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which produce only heat and water as exhaust products. The tests could pave the way for a new generation of greener aircraft, the company said.

Three test flights of the two-seater aircraft took place in February and March at an airfield at Ocana, south of Madrid. The plane was modified to include a hybrid battery and fuel cell system used to power an electric motor coupled to a conventional propeller.

During takeoff the plane’s batteries were used to provide an additional boost, but whilst in the air, the plane relied entirely on the hydrogen fuel cell. Boeing said the plane has a flying time of 45 minutes but tests were limited to around half that time.

Hydrogen-powered planes have been flown before, but never with a human pilot onboard. Other companies are also seeking to develop more environmental-friendly planes, amid concerns over their contribution to climate change.

To carry the precious payload, the craft will have a huge wingspan of 262 feet, wider than the wings of the Airbus A380.

As the plane is piloted by only one person at a time, it will have to make frequent stopovers. The current plan is for the journey to be broken into five legs each lasting between four or five days.