World’s inaugural hydrogen-powered helicopter makes first flight
April 15, 2025
Unither Bioélectronique, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation, has made the first successful flight of a piloted hydrogen-powered helicopter; representing the first time this feat has been achieved worldwide.
The test flight utilised Unither Bioélectroniques’s experimental Robinson R44 Raven II, validating the installed Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell technology and its capability to support what the company describes as “the demanding power requirements of a VTOL powered lift profile”. Combining two low-temperature PEM fuel stacks with a small battery pack “to manage transient power demands,” around 90% of the flight’s energy was ultimately derived from the helicopter’s hydrogen fuel cells.
Conducted from Quebec’s Roland-Désourdy Airport, the test took place on 27 March and lasted a little over three minutes; during which the aircraft’s “hover and manoeuvre capabilities” were successfully demonstrated. It was conducted under an experimental flight permit issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and form part of Project Proticity, a collaboration between Unither Bioélectronique and the Robinson Helicopter Company.
First announced in August 2024, this project aims to accelerate the development of zero-emissions helicopters; integrating’s Robinson’s engineering, technical and regulatory expertise with its partner’s hydrogen innovation. “The importance of this milestone in aviation history cannot be overstated,” commented Robinson CEO and president David Smith. “Project Proticity has taken an incredible step forward in the path to long range, zero emission vertical flight”.
Future development work will focus on the integration of a liquid hydrogen storage system, offering greater range and enabling the integration of the larger R66 into the programme. Unither Bioélectronique ultimately intend to operate “extended-range” missions using its Robinson R66 optionally-piloted ‘Organ Delivery Electric Helicopters,’ delivering United Therapeutics’ “manufactured organ alternatives to patients in need”.
