Universal Assembles Hydrogen Aircraft Conversion Team in Washington State

Universal Hydrogen and Plug Power are forging an alliance with electric propulsion unit developer MagniX and aircraft conversion specialist AeroTec based in a new facility in Moses Lake, Washington.

Universal Hydrogen Dash 8 — Universal Hydrogen will convert Dash 8 regional airliners to hydrogen power at a new facility in Moses Lake, Washington. (Image: Universal Hydrogen)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

August 4, 2021

Universal Hydrogen and its hydrogen fuel cell partner Plug Power are joining forces with electric motor specialists MagniX and AeroTec to set up a Hydrogen Aviation Test and Service Center at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington. The partners will use the new facility to convert a Dash 8 regional airliner to hydrogen propulsion in time to start commercial operations in 2025. Flight testing is due to begin in 2022.

The new hydrogen powertrain will consist of an electric propulsion unit (EPU) developed by MagniX and fuel cells provided by Plug Power, which has extensive experience converting trucks to hydrogen. Seattle-based AeroTec will take the lead on converting the Dash 8s to hydrogen propulsion, conducting flight tests, and arranging for certification under FAA supplemental type certificates. The system installation work will be conducted at the Moses Lake facility.

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.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN