Sustainability and Environment
Modified R44 Flies Hydrogen-electric Helicopter Circuit
Unither Bioélectronique expands envelope of experimental aircraft
R44 Helicopter hovering
The full airport traffic circuit pattern was flown at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec. © Robinson Helicopters

Canadian biotech company Unither Bioélectronique has made what it claims is the world’s first piloted hydrogen-electric helicopter circuit flight. This was completed on April 10 using a modified Robinson R44, one year after the demonstrator first flew, but not announced until May 7.

The test flight was conducted under an experimental flight permit as part of the ongoing Project Proticity. Announced in August 2024, this partnership between the United Therapeutics subsidiary and Robinson Helicopters is looking to develop zero-emission helicopters based on the latter company’s R44 and R66.