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Boeing and UK’s Intelligent Energy in FC plane Project
(5/15/2003)Intelligent Energy, on Monday announced that it had been selected by the Boeing Company as a partner in the development what they claim to be the world’s first fuel cell-powered airplane for manned flight.
Boeing commenced formal evaluation of alternative fuel cell propulsion systems in May of 2002 and assessed all main fuel cell producers globally. A Boeing spokesman commentated “After extensive review and technical evaluation, Intelligent Energy was selected in December 2002 as the supplier of the fuel cell system for the aircraft on the basis of its advanced capabilities in system design, performance, weight and volumetric parameters, and its ability to work with Boeing to provide an optimized total system package.”
The Fuel Cell Airplane Demonstrator Project will prove that fuel cell technology can provide environmental benefits and optimise fuel usage for commercial aircraft. Boeing believes that fuel cells have great potential to replace auxiliary power units for commercial passenger and freight air fleets.
The spokesman went on to say “Since fuel cells are inherently cleaner and quieter than auxiliary power units, have fewer moving parts, and can generate more than twice as much electricity with the same amount of fuel, they can help make commercial airliners more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. They also have potential application in small, unmanned air vehicles.”
The Fuel Cell Airplane Demonstrator Project is led by Boeing Phantom Works, the advanced research and development arm of Boeing which serves as a catalyst of innovation for the Boeing Group. Phantom Works collaborates with internal and external customers to develop advanced system solutions and breakthrough technologies for improving the quality, performance and affordability of aerospace products and services.
Dr Harry Bradbury, Intelligent Energy said “Fuel cells show considerable potential for power delivery in many applications. None more graphically demonstrate this potential than manned flight in its centenary year.” The first manned fuel cell airplane flight is planned for December 2003, the centenary celebration for the first ever powered flight. There will be subsequent flights in North America, and at the Paris and Farnborough Air shows.
