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China Develops Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft and Conducts Its First Tests. With This Hydrogen Aircraft Prototype, The Country Makes a Leap in the Aviation Sector and Becomes a Pioneer in the Market.
Marking a significant advancement in the aerospace sector, China successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its first hydrogen-powered aircraft prototype on Monday, the 19th, in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. This aircraft, notable for being the first independently developed in the country, represents an important step in the exploration of alternative fuels in aviation.
China’s Hydrogen Aircraft Reaches 180 km per Hour
The hydrogen-powered aircraft marks a significant step forward for the aviation sector, according to Chinese media reports. Test pilot Xu Xiaoben reported that the hydrogen-powered aircraft, measuring 8 meters in length and capable of reaching a speed of 180 kilometers per hour, demonstrated sufficient power and an acceptable level of vibration at an altitude of 200 meters, in addition to displaying satisfactory performance.
Sun Xiaoping, chief engineer at the Liaoning General Aviation Academy, pointed out that, given the increasing focus on clean energy and the need to reduce carbon emissions, hydrogen-powered aircraft will gain preference in the industry in the future. This development underscores China’s commitment to innovation in sustainable aviation and the search for more eco-friendly means of air transport.
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As the global economy strives to reduce sources of atmospheric pollution, the aviation sector has recorded increased CO2 emissions in recent years, a rise of 32% between 2013 and 2018, prior to the onset of the pandemic.
However, data show that hydrogen will play a crucial role in future technological solutions capable of contributing to the decarbonization of civil aviation and reducing emissions. The main fact that makes the fuel an interesting solution is that it can be produced and consumed without emitting CO2.
Learn More About the Hydrogen Aircraft Project in China
Being a pioneer in the development of electric aircraft in China, Liaoning Ruixiang Aircraft tested a hydrogen-powered aircraft over the past year. The model, named RX4HE, conducted its inaugural flight in Shenyang Province. This is the first aircraft with this technology designed in the country.
Based on the electric plane RX4e from Liaoning Ruixiang for four occupants, the hydrogen aircraft uses a 2-liter turbo automotive engine from the Chinese car manufacturer FAW adapted to operate with the alternative fuel; FAW is also studying the use of this same engine in automobiles.
According to the manufacturer, the RX4HE has a wingspan of 13.5 meters and a length of 8.2 meters. The prototype tested in China flew with a high-pressure tank containing 4.5 kg of hydrogen, which the company states gives the demonstrator a flight endurance of one hour at a cruising speed of 180 km/h.
Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Has Thermal Efficiency of 43%
Liaoning Ruixiang highlighted that the engine adapted to run on hydrogen has a thermal efficiency that is 43% higher than the original gasoline-powered engine, as well as being 40% more powerful. The hydrogen aircraft project has been underway since 2021.
The company is developing the model in partnership with various entities in China, including universities, research institutes, and the car manufacturer FAW. The electric aircraft manufacturer states that the prototype will be used to promote the application of hydrogen in Chinese aviation.
Founded in 2010, Liaoning Ruixiang Aircraft was the first company in China to venture into the field of electric planes. In 2015, the company obtained type certification from the country’s regulator for the RX1e, a two-seater sports aircraft.
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