Boeing readies fuel-cell demonstrator airplane

May 24, 2007

Boeing researchers and their European partners plan flight tests of a manned airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries.

Paul Dvorak

The demonstrator uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power an electric motor, which is coupled to a conventional propeller. During takeoff and climb, when the most power is needed, the system draws on its lightweight batteries. Successful flight tests will demonstrate for the first time that a manned airplane can fly with fuel cells as the only power source.

The demonstrator aircraft is a Dimona motor glider built by Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria. With a wingspan of 16.3 m (53.5 ft), the plane should cruise at about 100 km/hr (62 mph) using fuel-cell power.

"While Boeing does not envision that fuel cells will provide primary power for future commercial airplanes, demonstrations like this could pave the way for using this technology in small manned and unmanned aircraft," says Francisco Escarti, managing director Boeing Research and Technology (Europe).

About the Author

Paul Dvorak

Paul Dvorak - Senior Editor
21 years of service. BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Secondary Education, Cleveland State University. Work experience: Highschool mathematics and physics teacher; design engineer, Primary editor for CAD/CAM technology. He isno longer with Machine Design.

Email: [email protected]

Paul Dvorak - Senior Editor
21 years of service. BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Secondary Education, Cleveland State University. Work experience: Highschool mathematics and physics teacher; design engineer, U.S. Air Force. Primary editor for CAD/CAM technology. He isno longer with Machine Design.

Email:=