FAA Clears Partially Hydrogen-Powered Flight

The FAA has cleared California-based Universal Hydrogen to fly a Dash-8-300 with one engine powered by hydrogen. The Seattle Times is reporting the aircraft got the FAA clearance on Monday after the company was able to run the engine up to full power. The company is doing its development work at Moses Lake in central Washington State. The company said first flight could occur this month.

Assuming it flies soon, it will be the largest aircraft to date to use hydrogen for part of its power. The engine doesn't burn hydrogen directly. The hydrogen is used by a fuel cell that generates electricity to run an electric motor that turns the prop. The fuel cell and motor are both in the nacelle. For now, a tank of compressed hydrogen in the fuselage will provide the fuel but the company is also developing liquid hydrogen pods that will allow relatively convenient supply of fuel to the operational aircraft. That system is still in development. The ultimate goal for the system is a retrofit for ATR72 turboprops.