With Military Backing, Piasecki Steps Up Development of Hydrogen-Powered PA-890 Helicopter

The hydrogen-powered PA-890 slow-rotor wing compound helicopter is expected to be able to carry a pilot and up to seven passengers on trips of over 200 nm.

Piasecki's PA-890 hydrogen-powered helicopter will carry a pilot and seven passengers over 200 nautical miles. (Image: PIasecki Aircraft)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 11, 2024

Piasecki Aircraft Corp (PiAC) is stepping up its plans to bring a hydrogen-powered helicopter to market by the end of the decade. Development work that has been significantly boosted by support from the U.S. Air Force now involves the evolution of a 660-kilowatt test rig for the propulsion system into an iron bird unit that will pave the way for a full-scale prototype the company aims to start flying in 2028.

The PA-890 slow-rotor wing compound helicopter is expected to be able to carry a pilot and up to seven passengers on trips of over 200 nm. Its projected payload is 1,660 pounds and the maximum takeoff weight is 7,000 pounds.

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.

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