20 May 2010
Rapid200FC Maiden Flight on 20 May 2010
Reggio Emilia, Italy
At 07:14 UTC on 20th May 2010, European Commission research project Rapid200Fc, hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft, took its maiden flight in Reggio Emilia.
The first aero-mechanical flight was followed by a 11 minutes flight envelope investigation flight.
The hybrid power system, completely electrical and composed by a 20kW PEM fuel cell and a 20 kW Li-Po battery, was successfully tested during the experimental flight. Level flight at 700ft and 130 km/h was attained by mean of partial fuel cell power setting.
Positive handling qualities and satysfactory engine performances let the test team to consider this successful early flight as a further step in introduction of clean energy in aeronautics.
Official demonstration flight will be performed next week at Reggio Emilia airport.