It is hoped the integration will bring H2FLY closer to achieving longer hydrogen-powered aircraft ranges, a critical element in the pursuit of achieving zero-emission medium- and long-haul flight.

Read more: Liquid hydrogen tanks hope to double H2FLY’s aircraft range

According to H2FLY, the liquid hydrogen storage system passed vibration and leakage testing, carried out by Air Liquide in September (2022).

The company says the move marks a significant step forward for its Project HEAVEN, which set out to design, develop, and integrate a powertrain based on high-power fuel cell and cryogenic technologies into an existing aircraft.

Integration is expected to be completed in the coming months, following which, H2FLY plans to put the aircraft through a programme of ground testing in early 2023, which it says could see it become the “world’s first passenger aircraft using liquid hydrogen.”

In April this year (2022), the company said the HY4 aircraft had achieved a new world record, flying at an altitude of 7,230ft, while flying 77 miles between Stuttgart and Friedrichshafen, making it the first time a hydrogen-electric had been piloted between two major airports.

Read more: Hydrogen-powered HY4 aircraft sets new world-record

Commenting on the next step of development, Dr. Josef Kallo, co-founder and CEO of H2FLY, said, “Passing the vibration and leakage tests marks a big step forward for delivering true zero-emissions flight with increased range. We have now been able to kickstart the mechanical integration process, drawing even closer to this next exciting flight test phase.

“For the past 10 years, at H2FLY we have been focused on developing and delivering new technology and now we look forward to completing the integration process so we can begin ground testing in preparation for the world’s first commercial liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft.”

Kallo will be speaking at H2 View’s Hydrogen Mobility Snap Summit on November 29, 2022, a half day event dedicated to unearthing the progress made across the sector, while dissecting challenges still to be met, and establishing the state-of-play across mobility ahead of 2023.

Read more: H2 View launches Mobility Snap Summit

To book your ticket for H2 View’s Mobility Snap Summit. Head to h2-viewevents.com. Individual tickets cost $99, however Premium Subscribers to H2 View get free access to this and all of our virtual events, as well as 10% off for all in-person events throughout their subscription.