Swinburne’s AIR Hub achieves hydrogen flight
The Hydrogen to the Skies team preparing the SHADE drone for its first hydrogen-propelled flight in the Latrobe City Council.
In summary
- Swinburne’s AIR Hub has successfully completed the first flight of an Australian-developed hydrogen fuel cell electric powered VTOL drone.
- The AIR Hub’s innovative SHADE drone is being developed as part of the Hydrogen to the Skies project.
- Hydrogen-propelled uncrewed aircrafts have the potential for significant positive impact on Australia’s supply chain ecosystem, drastically improving access to remote areas of the country.
Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) has successfully completed the first flight of an Australian-developed hydrogen fuel cell electric powered VTOL drone. The flight test was achieved using AIR Hub’s innovative Small Hydrogen Aircraft Development & Evolution (SHADE) drone.
This flight marks a significant milestone in Australia’s advanced air mobility (AAM) journey as the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system (UAS) flight. The successful flight is the result of collaboration with industry partners, researchers and businesses across the aviation and hydrogen industries, including Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2).
The SHADE drone was developed through AIR Hub’s Hydrogen to the Skies (H22S) project, funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program. The aim of this project is to design and integrate a new hydrogen propulsion system into a large-scale drone to help spearhead the commercial development of clean, zero emissions uncrewed air systems.
The flight occurring last week in Victoria’s Latrobe City Council was the first of its type in Australia. It demonstrates a leap forward in clean aviation, enabling extended range compared to traditionally battery powered UAS, while reducing the environmental impact through sustainably produced hydrogen. This achievement demonstrates Swinburne’s commitment to developing sustainable aviation technologies.
“The successful hydrogen-powered flight of the SHADE drone represents a significant milestone in not only the H22S project, but also the development of net zero aerospace in Australia,” says Dr Adriano Di Pietro, Director of the AIR Hub.
Australia’s net zero AAM future
The success of a hydrogen-propelled flight of the SHADE drone is a significant milestone in the first phase of the multi-phase H22S project.
This will position Australian aerospace and aviation companies to scale up hydrogen use in aviation, with a view to utilise hydrogen propulsion progressively from UAS all the way to passenger and freight air vehicles.
Research being completed by the AIR Hub also speaks to the potential to convert existing internal combustion powered aircraft into emission-free flight.
Hydrogen propulsion will allow longer range regional and remote-area flights than is achievable by battery-powered air vehicles, which are being developed for short-range urban operations. Projects like the H22S project will have significant positive impact on Australia’s supply chain ecosystem, with uncrewed, hydrogen-powered aircraft having the potential to deliver products, including life-saving medications, to some of Australia’s most remote environments.
“Swinburne’s AIR Hub is dedicated to cementing Australia as a key player in the global effort towards the decarbonisation of the aviation and aerospace industry, and we believe that utilising hydrogen power is key to this journey," says Dr Di Pietro.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Technology
- Education
- University
From humble beginnings to global impact: what Quitch did next
Dr Grainne Oates transforms Quitch from startup to global powerhouse, redefining education with Swinburne's support.Friday 01 March 2024 -
- Aviation
How AI can fast track the developments our aviation sector desperately needs
With the help of artificial intelligence, new aircraft designs that meet modern demands could be a reality as soon as 2025 and help alleviate concerns like safety.Thursday 18 January 2024 -
- Technology
World first project could see EVs charge wirelessly on the road
A $3 million grant by the Australian government will implement dynamic wireless charging technology into roads, unlocking the uptake of electric heavy vehicles and saving $324 billion by 2050.
Friday 16 February 2024 -
- Technology
- Science
- Sustainability
- Engineering
CSIRO and Swinburne invest in green steel and mineral processing to help industry get to net zero
CSIRO and Swinburne have established a new partnership to tackle global decarbonisation with innovative green steel and mineral processing research and development.
Thursday 01 February 2024 -
- Technology
- Business
Swinburne's Venture Cup unveils pioneering startups as entrepreneurs take centre stage
Swinburne University’s annual Venture Cup pitch night shines a spotlight on remarkable startups by students, staff and alumni.
Thursday 11 January 2024