Demonstrator Airplane Prepares for Testing

A propulsion system from UQM Technologies Inc. of Frederick, Colorado, will turn the propeller of a single seat demonstrator airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries as part of experimental flight tests by Boeing Research and Technology - Europe and its industry partners. The flight tests will take place in Spain and demonstrate that a manned airplane can maintain a straight level flight with fuel cells as the only power source.

The Dimona motor glider, built by Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria, has a wing span of 53.5 feet and will cruise at 62 miles per hour. It uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power the UQM® electric motor, which is coupled to a conventional propeller. The fuel cell provides power for the cruise phase of flight. During takeoff and climb, the system draws on lightweight lithium-ion batteries.