Universal Hydrogen’s 40-Passenger Hydrogen Electric Plane Completes Successful First Flight [Video]

Universal Hydrogen Co. has achieved a major milestone in the aviation industry with the successful flight of its 40-passenger regional hydrogen electric plane. Founded in 2020, the Southern California-based company has been working to bring zero-emission hydrogen electric-powered aviation to fruition. After receiving experimental airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Dash-300 flying test bed took off from Washington state this morning and ascended to an altitude of 3,500 mean sea level (MSL) before safely landing.

The Dash-300 is the largest hydrogen electric plane to ever fly and is capable of transporting over 40 passengers using hydrogen fuel cells and electric powertrains. The plane was piloted by former US Air Force test pilot Alex Kroll, who reported that the airplane handled beautifully and that the noise and vibrations from the fuel cell powertrain were significantly lower than from the conventional turbine engine.

The successful flight marks the beginning of a two-year testing program that is expected to enable full certification for hydrogen electric passenger flights by 2025. Universal Hydrogen’s business model resolves the chicken-and-egg problem between hydrogen airplanes and hydrogen infrastructure by developing both in parallel and with a uniquely low-cost approach. The airplanes are converted to hydrogen using an aftermarket retrofit conversion kit, tackling the existing fleet rather than developing a brand new airplane. And hydrogen fueling uses modular capsules compatible with existing freight networks and airport cargo handling equipment, making every airport in the world hydrogen-ready.

The successful flight of Universal Hydrogen’s 40-passenger regional hydrogen electric plane is a major milestone in the aviation industry and a key step towards decarbonizing the global airline industry. With its unique approach to developing both hydrogen airplanes and infrastructure in parallel, Universal Hydrogen is paving the way for more hydrogen electric conversions of existing aircraft.

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