Boeing Fuel Cell Plane

Boeing plane powered by fuel cell and battery only

Boeing Illustration

Boeing will be testing the first manned plane powered only by a fuel cell and batteries soon in Spain.

The single-engine propeller plane has a wing span of 52.5 feet and will cruise at 62 mph using only its fuel cell for power.  Lightweight lithium-ion batteries will provide power during takeoff and when the plane climbs.

Boeing doesn't expect this technology to appear in commercial aviation any time soon but says it has lots of potential in other areas.

Francisco Escarti, managing director of Boeing's Research & Development in Madrid says the plane's technology could be used in small manned and unmanned planes in the future.

Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen to electricity without combustion.  The bottom line is if planes like this one are used they will be much more environmentally friendly than anything currently flying.  The technology seems quite promising.

Comments

[Monty]

ever see that movie who killed the electric car? what about time alone with the electric cat? I mean you just wait and see whats up. Its not that gas is more expensive, it's that the dollar is weakening everyday. Do your math eco-nuts! Gas never hurt no-one.