Design of inter-city transport aircraft powered by fuel cell & flight test of zero emission 2-seater aircraft powered by fuel cells

Abstract

An all-electric General Aviation airplane was realized within the ENFICA-FC program (ENvironmentally Friendly Inter City Aircraft powered by Fuel Cells - EC funded project coordinated by Prof. Giulio Romeo). The electric-motor-driven two-seat airplane powered by fuel cells was developed and validated by flight-test in May 2010. The airplane represents the first and unique airplane flying in the world. Six test flights were successfully carried out by POLITO. The all-electrical power system was successfully tested during the experimental flights. Take-off and climbing was obtained at power of 35 kW. Level flight was attained at 150 km/h by mean of only a fuel cell power setting. 2.5 hours of effective flight were obtained during flight tests for a total path of 237 km. A new speed world record of 135 km/h and an endurance of 39 min. was established during flights conducted for the FAI Sporting Code Category C (airplane). The excellent results obtained by the flight tests can be considered as a further step in the European and World Aeronautics Science in introducing a completely clean energy (ZERO CO2 EMISSION). At the same time, more theoretical type studies have been carried out in designing an aircraft powered by hydrogen for 10-20 passengers in the regional and intercity sector”. The airplane works on hydrogen, taking advantage of the “fuel cell” technology at present available, to create an aircraft that is able to connect cities through flights while totally eliminating the environmental impact.