China’s First Tonne-Level Liquid-Hydrogen-Powered eVTOL Aircraft Completes Successful Test Flight
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 9, Dream Fly Technology Co., Ltd. (Dream Fly), in partnership with Shaanxi Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology Co., Ltd. (Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology) and Beijing JiaQing New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., achieved a milestone by conducting the test flight of China’s first tonne-level hybrid tiltrotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen.
Liquid-hydrogen-powered eVTOL aircraft; photo credit: Dream Fly
The successful test flight showcased the collaboration between Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology, JiaQing New Energy, and Dream Fly. Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology provided hydrogen liquefaction, refueling, and storage systems, JiaQing New Energy supplied the fuel cell system, and Dream Fly delivered the DF600 aircraft and offered flight test support. The aircraft’s power system includes a 120 kW lithium battery, a 37 kW air-cooled fuel cell stack, and a 30L liquid hydrogen storage and supply system.
This achievement represents a significant advancement in validating liquid hydrogen as a feasible energy source for aircraft.
The liquid hydrogen storage and supply system of the aircraft features a 30L titanium alloy tank with advanced insulation technology to prevent evaporation loss. The system includes electric heating, a maximum hydrogen flow rate of 667 L/min, and a pressure control system ranging from 0.1 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Safety measures include rigorous flight-state load simulations to ensure compliance with standards and operational safety.
With its advanced technology, the aircraft can operate in temperatures from -10°C to 57°C, achieving high speeds, efficiency, and extended range suitable for various applications such as logistics transportation and emergency rescue operations.
In a similar milestone, Joby Aviation completed the maiden flight of its 2.5-tonne liquid-hydrogen-powered tiltrotor eVTOL aircraft in June 2024, showcasing a flight range of 523 miles and demonstrating the viability of liquid hydrogen power in the eVTOL sector.
Dream Fly, founded in 2022, focuses on eVTOL aircraft R&D with a team of experienced members from prestigious universities. Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology, established in 2023, specializes in hydrogen energy R&D with expertise in cryogenic liquid hydrogen technologies.
Following this successful test flight, Tongchen Heguang Cryogenic Technology will continue to develop a 35-kilogram liquid-hydrogen-powered unmanned drone with over 10 hours of flight endurance and conduct R&D tests on a 2.8-tonne liquid-hydrogen-powered eVTOL aircraft capable of an 800-kilometer range.
