H2 FINITY
Research and testing of a scalable hydrogen powertrain for light and medium aircraft
The project
H2 FINITY is developing a modular, hybrid-electric drive train based on hydrogen for light and medium-sized aircraft. The aim is to develop a practical, emission-free drive technology that can be used flexibly for a wide range of UAVs and small aircraft - quiet, environmentally friendly and future-oriented.
The technology core
Fuel cells provide the electrical energy for flight operations. In the project, a drone with a take-off weight of 25 kg and a wingspan of 3.6 m was built as a test vehicle. The powertrain is being continuously developed with the aim of creating a scalable solution for performance classes up to 250 kg take-off weight.
Successful maiden flight - a milestone in green aviation
On November 8, 2024, the project team in Rotenburg carried out the first successful flight with a gaseous hydrogen propulsion system. The fuel cell drives an electric motor - a significant step forward for sustainable aviation technologies.
The flight marks a key milestone after more than two years of intensive development, testing and validation. The findings from areas such as flight physics, cooling, electronics and integration will flow directly into the next project phases.
Project goals
- Development of a scalable, emission-free drive system for aircraft weighing up to approx. 250 kg
- Used both in new developments and for retrofitting existing systems
- Approvable, practical solution for SMEs and aviation innovations
- Contributing to the qualification of skilled workers and strengthening Hamburg as an aviation location
- Promoting the energy transition through cross-sector hydrogen applications
Strong partnership & promotion
H2 FINITY is a cooperation project between TECCON, mb+Partner, Thelsys and the ZAL - Center for Applied Aviation Research. Funded by IFB Hamburg as part of the GATE I - Green Aviation Technologies program.
But we go one step further:
Follow-up project HYDRO-BUNNY
With the follow-up project HYDRO-BUNNY, we are currently developing an autonomous refueling solution for UAVs that enables continuous operational readiness even in remote areas - without any human intervention. The hydrogen required is produced and supplied directly on site.
