Blue Spirit Aero's Hydrogen-Electric Dragonfly: A Sustainable Solution for Pilot Training
Key Ideas
  • Blue Spirit Aero conducted successful taxiing tests with its hydrogen-electric Dragonfly, targeting pilot training organizations seeking decarbonization.
  • The Dragonfly features 12 propulsion pods with propellers, electric motors, fuel cells, and gaseous hydrogen tanks, aiming for easier certification.
  • The company plans to begin flight tests with a second demonstrator in early 2026, with a cruise speed of 125 kt. and a range of 380 nautical miles.
  • The flight-test campaign will evaluate supercapacitors supporting rapid power increases, enhancing the aircraft's performance and sustainability.
Blue Spirit Aero, based in Toulouse, France, recently conducted taxiing tests with their innovative hydrogen-electric Dragonfly aircraft. The company aims to introduce a sustainable solution for pilot training organizations looking to reduce carbon emissions. The Dragonfly prototype, showcased at the Paris Air Show, features 12 propulsion pods on the wings, each equipped with essential components for electric propulsion using hydrogen. By keeping the hydrogen tanks outside the fuselage, Blue Spirit Aero anticipates a smoother certification process. The aircraft's design includes four functional engines and eight dummy engines, representing the final configuration. Flight tests, scheduled to span four to six months, will assess the aircraft's performance, including the use of supercapacitors to enhance power delivery and offset the fuel cell's inertia. With a promised cruise speed of 125 knots, a range of 380 nautical miles, and a payload capacity of 820 pounds, the Dragonfly demonstrates the potential for sustainable aviation technologies in the industry. Blue Spirit Aero's innovative approach highlights the importance of hydrogen-electric propulsion in achieving greener aviation practices, contributing to a more environmentally friendly future for the aerospace sector.
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