| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:May 3, 2022 |
| Hydroplane Secures Second Air Force Contract to Fund Development ofHydrogen Fuel Cell Powerplant for Aviation and Mobile Energy Storage |
LOS ANGELES — Hydroplane today announced it signed its second U.S. Air Force (USAF) Small Business Technology Transfer contract, marking the close of the innovative hydrogen powerplant technology start up’s seed round. This contract allows the company, in partnership with the University of Houston, to demonstrate an engineering model hydrogen fuel cell based powerplant in a ground and flight demonstration.
Hydroplane is on track to fly its demonstrator aircraft in 2023.
“We are excited to be a part of the prestigious and highly competitive USAF Agility Prime Program, a testament to the unique innovation we bring to emission-free electric aviation with regional range,” says Dr. Anita Sengupta, CEO of Hydroplane and former NASA propulsion engineer. “Hydroplane will offer the general aviation and vertical lift markets zero-emission electric propulsion that outperforms batteries in range, endurance, payload, and operational efficiency. Once proven in this arena, we will expand the technology to regional aviation with increased operational capability.”
Hydroplane is a minority woman-owned company focused on developing affordable hydrogen fuel cell powerplant technology for existing single engine aircraft. Hydroplane’s 200 kW modular solution is designed to replace existing combustion powerplants in today’s existing single engine and urban air mobility platforms, while simultaneously delivering a significant improvement in range, endurance, and payload over the battery-powered equivalent.
It will also significantly lower operating costs compared to conventional piston engines. Use cases for this technology include flight training, commercial transportation, air taxi, cargo transportation, humanitarian aid, and government support.
Hydroplane hydrogen fuel powerplant benefits:
- Electric aviation with regional range
- No battery charging required
- Zero carbon emissions
- Low operations and maintenance costs
- Reduced noise signature
- To be certified under FAA Part 23, direct replacement for piston power plants with competitive range and installation cost
The Hydroplane team consists of seasoned space program, aviation, and automotive engineers, and fuel cell technologists uniquely skilled and experienced in developing innovative new technology for NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin, Boeing, and academia.
For more information on Hydroplane, visit www.hydroplane.us.
About Hydroplane: Hydroplane Ltd. is minority woman-owned small business with a mission to make aviation carbon emission free, founded by former NASA engineer Dr. Anita Sengupta. Her team of space program-trained engineers are developing a hydrogen fuel cell powerplant, the key technology to decarbonize aviation. Hydroplane is a winner of two U.S. Air Force Agility Prime contracts to develop the novel technology for a range of government and commercial aviation applications.
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Contact:
Michael Tonetti
Hydroplane
+1 818-583-7736
michaeltonetti@hydroplane.us