Boeing researchers and European partners will flight test an experimental manned airplane powered by a 20 kW fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery pack later this year.
The propellor-driven fuel cell aircraft uses an electric motor powered by a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and lithium-ion battery hybrid system. The lithium-ion batteries are used to boost power during takeoff and climb. While cruising, the aircraft will be powered by the fuel cell alone.
Besides testing PEMFC systems, Boeing is looking at powering auxiliary systems with solid oxide fuel cells.
The Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane a modified Dimona motor glider built in Austria with a wing span of 16.3 meters (53.5 feet) and a fuel cell-powered cruising speed of about 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph).
The Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane research project began in 2003 at Boeing Research and Technology Europe (BR&TE). The aircraft is now undergoing systems integration testing, to be followed by ground tests. Flight testing will take place in Spain.
Boeing plans fuel cell flyer [The Engineer Online]