Our projectsBespoke powertrain solution for ‘Blériot’
After years of intense and hard work on hydrogen-based powertrain solutions for light mobility, H2 Motronics is proud to be a supplier to Beyond Aero, who have achieved France’s first manned hydrogen-electric flight in February 2024. Read more about this success story!
H2-ELECTRIC POWERTRAINBespoke hybrid powertrain solution
As a tribute to the first aviator to cross the English Channel, the ‘Blériot’ successfully completed its very first flight. Designed on the basis of the G1 SPYL-XL, the aircraft was equipped with H2 Motronics’ hybrid hydrogen-electric powertrain, presented by Beyond Aero at the 2023 Paris Air Show.
As a technical partner from the early stages of Blériot, H2 Motronics is immensely proud to have been onboard this unique project, by providing a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain solution. This cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system combines both hydrogen tanks and batteries to power the rotating propeller.
Moreover, H2 Motronics has developed bespoke fuel cell and energy management software, integrated inside the aircraft’s ECU. Custom embedded sensors have been onboard the aircraft, such as the EC-CAN electrical conductivity sensor, and the PTH-CAN, a combined sensor designed to measure relative humidity, temperature, and absolute pressure.
H2-ELECTRIC POWERTRAINFrance’s first manned hydrogen-electric flight
Initiated in January 2024, the flight test campaign took place at the Gap-Tallard airfield in southern France (Hautes-Alpes). The technical team has been leading a rigorous three-month ground test campaign focused on powertrain reliability, before the real deal in February 2024.
The success story:
The Blériot team reports 2 complete take-offs, reaching an altitude of 2,300 feet above sea level and a climb speed of 110 km/h.
Operating two-thirds on hydrogen and one-third on electric power, the Blériot prototype is powered by 1.2 kg of hydrogen gas stored in three tanks at 340 bar, generating maximum electrical power of 85 kW.
H2-ELECTRIC POWERTRAINCustom embedded technology
H2 Motronics is a proud supplier to Beyond Aero’s unique hydrogen-electric light aircraft:
- Powertrain solution including fuel cell system and batteries
- 85 kW maximum electrical power
- Bespoke fuel cell and energy management software
- Custom embedded sensors such as the EC-CAN and PTH-CAN
Experiencing this unique plane take off has been a very special moment for all our team. We would like to congratulate all the Beyond Aero team for this extraordinary achievement, we are looking forward to the future of Aviation! H2 Motronics is definitely open to new, exciting and innovative projects!
