LATEST NEWS >>>

Boeing and the fuel cell airplane

Did you know?

In 1839, British physicist Sir William Grove discovered that combining hydrogen and oxygen will produce two outputs; an electric current and water. Modern fuel cells rely on the same concept.
Fuel cells are emission-free and quieter than hydrocarbon fuel-powered engines. Their only waste product is pure water.

What are we doing?

Boeing’s Research and Technology – Europe used existing technologies, including a fuel cell system, an electric motor, a motor-glider, auxiliary batteries, and a power management system, to develop an experimental single-person airplane that can sustain level flight powered only by a fuel cell.
The fuel cell provides all power for the cruise phase of flight. During takeoff and climb, the system draws on lightweight lithium-ion batteries.

What is the result?

Fuel cell technology is feasible for powering level flight for small manned and unmanned air vehicles. Fuel cell technology also may be feasible for supplying the electric power needs of future commercial aircraft.
Furthermore, Boeing’s fuel cell demonstrator airplane research effort is an example of how Boeing is investigating environmentally progressive technologies for possible future use in aerospace.
This, along with our efforts in other areas, is helping to limit our contribution to climate change.