New speed and endurance records for an electrically-powered class C aeroplane have been set by a hydrogen fuel cell aircraft flying out of Reggio Emilia airport in Italy.

The aircraft is being developed as part of the ENvironmentally-Friendly Inter City Aircraft powered by Fuel Cells (ENFICA-FC) project, which aims to prove the viability of manned flight in an electric aeroplane which uses fuel cells as its main source of power.

After three years of design, development and installation, the aircraft completed its maiden flight on 20th May with Marco Locatelli performing the role of test pilot.

Further tests were carried out on 26th and 27th May to ensure enough data was collected to qualify for new world records under the FAI Sporting Code.

Although speeds of 145-150 km/h were recorded, the official new world speed record for electrically-powered class C aeroplanes is 135 km/h, while the aircraft also broke the endurance record of 45 minutes.

According to ENFICA-FC project partners, the success of the flights removes a major obstacle to the use of clean fuel in the aeronautics sector.

Source

World records for EU-funded fuel cell-powered aircraft (09/07/10)

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