HYSKY Society is honored to announce that Mike Hirschberg, Director of Strategy at the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) and former Executive Director, will be a featured speaker at the 2nd Annual H2Hub Summit on March 19, 2025.
As a leading advocate for hydrogen-powered eVTOL and vertical flight, Hirschberg has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of zero-carbon aviation. His recent Forbes article, “Hydrogen is a Game Changer for Vertical Flight,” explores how hydrogen can overcome the limitations of batteries, and unlock longer range and greater efficiency for eVTOL flight.
With federal uncertainty surrounding the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Hubs, the Department of Defense (DOD) and private industry are stepping in to drive hydrogen aviation forward. Hirschberg’s participation at H2Hub Summit 2025 comes at a critical time when the industry must navigate new funding realities and align with national security priorities.
A Legacy of Leadership in Hydrogen eVTOL
Under Hirschberg’s leadership, VFS has been at the forefront of hydrogen aviation advocacy. In 2020, VFS established the H2eVTOL Council, bringing together industry experts to explore hydrogen’s potential in vertical flight. That initiative laid the foundation for what would become HYSKY Society, which has since evolved into the only nonprofit solely focused on defying gravity with hydrogen.
While HYSKY spun out of VFS, both organizations continue to work in parallel, advancing the shared mission of enabling hydrogen-powered flight. VFS remains the global leader in advancing vertical flight, while HYSKY builds the ecosystem for hydrogen aviation and aerospace.
Why Hirschberg’s Participation is a Must-Have
Mike Hirschberg’s deep expertise makes him a key voice at this year’s summit. Before joining VFS in 2011, he was a principal aerospace engineer at CENTRA Technology, supporting DARPA and the Office of Naval Research on advanced aircraft programs. He also worked in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program Office, contributing to the development of the X-32 and X-35 vertical flight propulsion systems.
His insights at H2Hub Summit 2025 will focus on:
How hydrogen-electric propulsion is revolutionizing advanced air mobility.
Why liquid hydrogen is a game-changer for vertical flight.
How DOD programs like Agility Prime are accelerating eVTOL aircraft.
Key announcements from VFS and its members.
Hydrogen: A Strategic Priority for the DOD
With DOE Hydrogen Hub funding in limbo, the DOD has taken the lead in developing hydrogen-powered aviation. The U.S. Air Force recently awarded:
$131 million to Joby Aviation after its record-breaking 523-mile hydrogen-powered eVTOL flight
$37 million to Piasecki Aircraft to develop a hydrogen-powered PA-890 helicopter
The Defense Innovation Unit also launched the HyTEC Project, selecting NovaSpark Energy and Zepher Flight Labs to develop mobile hydrogen generation and hydrogen-powered UAVs.
Hirschberg’s session at H2Hub Summit 2025 will examine how these military-backed hydrogen programs could outpace traditional DOE-led clean energy initiatives, shifting the focus toward defense-driven hydrogen aviation.
A Call to Action for Aviation Leaders
H2Hub Summit 2025 is the premier event bridging hydrogen aviation and infrastructure development. HYSKY Society invites key stakeholders, including the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the Defense Innovation Unit, and leading hydrogen aviation companies, to join this critical conversation.
As hydrogen aviation reaches a turning point, Mike Hirschberg’s insights will provide a strategic roadmap for those looking to lead in the hydrogen revolution.
H2Hub Summit 2025: Hydrogen’s Future
March 19, 2025
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT (Zoom)
Register Now https://www.hysky.org/h2hubs
Q&A: Hydrogen eVTOL, VFS, and the Future of Hydrogen Aviation
1. Why is hydrogen a game-changer for eVTOL and vertical flight?
Hydrogen fuel cells provide significantly longer flight endurance compared to batteries, making them a key technology for eVTOL and other vertical flight applications.
2. How has VFS contributed to hydrogen aviation?
VFS has provided a platform for collaboration through initiatives like the H2eVTOL Council and the H2-Aero Symposium, connecting experts and fostering research in hydrogen-powered flight.
3. Why is Mike Hirschberg a significant speaker for H2Hub Summit 2025?
Hirschberg has led VFS through key hydrogen aviation initiatives and has been a vocal advocate for its role in future vertical flight. His expertise brings valuable insights into the industry's future.
4. How does the Department of Defense fit into hydrogen aviation?
The DoD is investing heavily in hydrogen-powered aircraft, including funding for eVTOLs, UAVs, and mobile hydrogen production. Their focus on operational resilience makes hydrogen a strategic priority.
5. What role does the Federal Aviation Administration play in hydrogen aviation?
The FAA is responsible for certifying hydrogen-powered aircraft, which will be crucial for commercial adoption and regulatory acceptance of hydrogen propulsion.
6. What companies are leading the charge in hydrogen eVTOL?
Companies like Joby Aviation, Piasecki Aircraft, and Heven Drones are pioneering hydrogen-powered aircraft for both commercial and defense applications.
7. Why did HYSKY spin out of VFS?
HYSKY evolved from VFS’s H2eVTOL Council to become an independent nonprofit focused specifically on decarbonizing aviation through hydrogen.
8. How does HYSKY collaborate with VFS today?
HYSKY and VFS remain aligned in their mission, with HYSKY expanding hydrogen aviation advocacy while VFS continues expanding vertical flight including H2eVTOL.
9. What is the significance of Agility Prime for hydrogen aviation?
Agility Prime is a U.S. Air Force initiative supporting eVTOL development, including hydrogen-powered aircraft, to enhance military mobility and logistics.
10. What is the HyTEC Project?
HyTEC is a Defense Innovation Unit program focused on developing mobile hydrogen production and hydrogen-powered drones for tactical operations.
11. Why is hydrogen aviation gaining momentum now?
Technological advancements, increasing defense funding, and energy security concerns are driving renewed interest in hydrogen aviation.
12. What challenges does hydrogen eVTOL face?
Infrastructure, certification, and public perception remain key challenges that the industry must address.
13. How does liquid hydrogen compare to hydrogen fuel cells?
Liquid hydrogen offers greater energy density, making it more suitable for long-range aviation, while fuel cells provide a more immediate alternative to battery power.
14. How can hydrogen aviation help reduce carbon emissions?
Hydrogen-powered aircraft produce zero emissions when using green hydrogen, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
15. What role do policymakers play in hydrogen aviation?
Government policies, incentives, and regulations will determine how quickly hydrogen aviation can scale.
16. What infrastructure is needed to support hydrogen aviation?
Airports will need hydrogen refueling stations, cryogenic storage, and fuel cell-compatible maintenance systems.
17. Is hydrogen aviation only for small aircraft?
No, hydrogen propulsion is being explored for regional jets, helicopters, and even large-scale commercial aircraft.
18. How does the energy sector fit into hydrogen aviation?
Hydrogen production, storage, and distribution are critical components that energy companies are working to scale.
19. How can professionals get involved in hydrogen aviation?
Organizations like HYSKY and VFS offer networking, education, and collaboration opportunities for those looking to contribute.
20. How can I attend H2Hub Summit 2025?
Registration is available online, and industry professionals, policymakers, and investors are encouraged to attend.
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