Hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft completes groundbreaking 523-mile flight across California

Jul 31, 2024

Joby Aviation's hydrogen VTOL aircraft completed a 523-mile emission-free flight across California, with water as the only by-product.

Hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft completes groundbreaking 523-mile flight across California

: Joby Aviation's hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft completed a 523-mile flight across California. This flight tripled the previous distance records of their electric prototypes. Engineers removed batteries and added an 88-pound liquid hydrogen tank and fuel cell system. Joby plans to launch its battery model in 2025, with the hydrogen version further off.

Joby Aviation's hydrogen-powered VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft completed a groundbreaking 523-mile journey across California on June 24. This tripled the previous distance records set by Joby's electric prototypes, using a new setup that left the hydrogen tank with 10 percent fuel remaining.

Engineers modified the originally battery-powered aircraft by adding an 88-pound liquid hydrogen tank and a fuel cell system. The fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen to spin the rotors, emitting only harmless water vapor as a by-product.

Joby plans to launch its original battery-powered model for commercial flights in 2025, with the hydrogen version still in the future. The company has also secured significant investments and FAA approval for its core aircraft systems, signaling its leading role in electric aviation.