ALBAWABA - Unither Therapeutics, a US-based biotechnology company specializing in innovative treatments for chronic illnesses, has announced the successful test flight of the world’s first hydrogen-powered helicopter.
R44 first hydrogen helicopter
US company Unither Therapeutics announced the test launch of its hydrogen-powered helicopter. According to the company, the aircraft successfully completed a test flight lasting three minutes and 16 seconds in total.
Notably, the R44 helicopter was equipped with a hydrogen tank and two cooling engines. Its original engine was removed and replaced with a hydrogen fuel cell system powered by a MagniX electric motor.
Previously, it was announced that the helicopter will be used to transport human organs for transplantation. (Shutterstock)
During the test flight, the R44 hydrogen helicopter derived 90% of its energy from hydrogen fuel cells, demonstrating the high efficiency of this innovative aircraft. Unither Therapeutics plans to further develop the helicopter later this year by introducing liquid hydrogen fuel, which will enable it to fly up to 185 kilometers per flight.
It is worth noting that Unither Therapeutics partnered with Robinson, the American aerospace company, to develop the R44 hydrogen-powered helicopter. Previously, the two companies announced that the helicopter will be used to transport human organs for transplantation.
