U.S. Government Backs Piasecki's Hydrogen Fuel Cell VTOL Aircraft Study

U.S. Government Backs Piasecki's Hydrogen VTOL Aircraft Study

The Department of Energy is funding further research for urban air taxi missions

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding research into the case for hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft like the PA-890 helicopter being developed by Piasecki Aircraft Corp.

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

May 14, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is funding Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) to continue an evaluation into the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cells to power VTOL aircraft. The Pennsylvania-based company on Monday announced that it has been awarded a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract for an undisclosed amount.

PiAC has already completed the first phase of the project and said it is on schedule to complete the second phase later this year. Under the SBIR contract, the company will conduct a technical economic analysis, develop conceptual and preliminary designs for a fuel cell-based powertrain, and later develop and test a full-scale hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft. The study is benchmarking hydrogen propulsion against comparable internal combustion engines and battery-electric alternatives for metrics including mission performance, reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cost of ownership, and technology readiness.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Become a Member

Piasecki Aircraft

Company

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

Engines

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

Engines

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

Engines

Saab 340B hybrid-electric aircraft flying at Farnborough Airshow 2026

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

Engines

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

Engines

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Engines

FAA deputy administrator Chris Rocheleau

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Engines

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

Engines

GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace FIA 2026

In this article

Piasecki Aircraft

More In Engines

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN