Robinson Helicopter Company has entered into a strategic collaboration with Unither Bioelectronics Inc. (UB), a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation, to accelerate the development of hydrogen-powered helicopters based on Robinson’s popular R44 and R66 helicopter models. This partnership is expected to significantly advance the development of zero-emission helicopters and increase the likelihood of regulatory approval from both Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Martine Rothblatt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of United Therapeutics, expressed the visionary nature of this partnership, stating, “Just as protons from hydrogen atoms drive the mitochondrial powerplants in each of our body’s cells, we look forward to using protons from green hydrogen to drive the membrane-based fuel cell powerplants in our Robinson R66 organ delivery electric helicopters. We are honored to be working with one of the world's largest helicopter manufacturers as we continue to extend our track record of saving hundreds of lives through aviation-delivered transplanted lungs."
Mikael Cardinal, Vice President of Program Management and Organ Delivery Systems and Head of the United Therapeutics Organ Delivery Systems (UTODS), highlighted the importance of this collaboration in the context of sustainable medical transportation, stating, “Hydrogen-powered aircraft are the next frontier in sustainable aviation. We are committed to developing a zero-operational carbon emission fleet of aircraft, and we look forward to working with the expert team at Robinson Helicopter to enable regulatory approval and production of these aircraft.”
David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation, saying, “Robinson is committed to leading the vertical lift industry into the next generation of flight. By deepening our existing relationship with Unither Bioelectronics, we can accelerate the arrival of zero-emission helicopters.”
This collaboration accelerates the development of hydrogen-electric helicopters and strengthens efforts to innovate sustainable transportation solutions for life-saving organ deliveries.
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(Top image: Credit — Robinson Helicopter Company)
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