Hydroplane is developing a modular 200-kW (270 hp) hydrogen fuel cell powerplant for the experimental aircraft, general aviation, and urban air mobility markets that outperforms battery alternatives in endurance with no charge time. Funded by the U.S. Air Force’s prestigious Agility Prime Program and led by space program veterans, the sustainable aviation company is developing its novel electric propulsion powerplant to replace combustion-piston driven engines in currently certified, experimental, and future aircraft. Hydroplane’s novel fuel cell stack and balance plant is specifically designed for single-engine aviation as it is light weight with a compact form factor, highly durable, and emits only water. Hydroplane is on track to fly its demonstrator aircraft in 2023.
Says Dr. Anita Sengupta, a former NASA engineer turned entrepreneur, “Hydroplane’s hydrogen fuel cell powerplant will deliver affordable zero-emission electric propulsion for fixed wing and vertical lift aircraft while significantly outperforming batteries. Once proven on these platforms, the powerplant will then expand to support regional-range aircraft, reducing operating costs while boosting sustainability for business aviation.”
A two-time Agility Prime grant winner, Hydroplane is a woman-owned company focused on developing affordable hydrogen fuel cell powerplant technology for existing single engine aircraft. Hydroplane’s 200 kW modular solution is designed to replace existing combustion powerplants in today’s single engine and tomorrow’s urban air mobility platforms, while simultaneously delivering a significant improvement in range, endurance, and payload over the battery-powered equivalent. The powerplant will also significantly lower operating costs compared to conventional piston engines.
Hydroplane hydrogen fuel powerplant benefits:
Electric aviation with regional range
No battery charging required
Zero carbon emissions
Longer flight time/further range than battery-powered engines
Low operations and maintenance costs
Reduced noise signature
Designed to be a direct replacement up to 1MW powerplants with competitive range and installation cost
The Hydroplane team consists of seasoned space program, aviation, and automotive engineers, and fuel cell technologists uniquely skilled and experienced in developing innovative new technology for NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin, Boeing, and academia.
For more information on Hydroplane, visit www.hydroplane.us
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