Canadian firm claims ‘world first’ hydrogen-powered helicopter flight

Canadian biotechnology firm Unither Bioélectronique (UB) has claimed the “world’s first” hydrogen fuel cell-powered helicopter flight in partnership with US aircraft manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Company.

A Robinson R44 four-seat, light-helicopter, powered by a hydrogen PEM fuel cell and battery system, fuelled with locally produced green hydrogen, undertook a full airport traffic circuit including controlled takeoff, climb, pattern flight, approach, and landing.

The helicopter used gaseous hydrogen with a limited fuel load of a few kilogrammes, designed to fit the light aircraft. The company is not disclosing the fuel cell provider at this time.

UB declined to confirm the duration of the flight to H2 View, but said endurance will be demonstrated at a later date.

However, the firm’s technical paper said the aircraft is expected to achieve more than 200 miles of range and approximately two hours of flight time.

This test follows the company’s 2025 helicopter flight in the R44 Raven II, which generated 90% of its lift through the fuel cell.

The firm said its next step will be to integrate the technology into Robison’s larger R66 model.

While various players have pursued hydrogen in aviation – primarily aeroplanes –its commercial use has faced major setbacks, with pureplay hydrogen aviation players collapsing, axing jobs, or majors like Airbus delaying commercial plans.

Sceptics point to hydrogen’s high cost, low energy density, and infrastructure demands as major hurdles.