World's First Hydrogen-Powered Helicopter Takes Off: Unither Bioélectronique Makes History Again
- HYSKY Society
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
In a groundbreaking milestone for hydrogen aviation, Unither Bioélectronique successfully completed the world’s first hydrogen-powered helicopter flight. The historic event took place on March 27, 2025, at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec, Canada, marking a significant leap toward zero-emission vertical flight.
Breaking Down the Flight: A New Era for Organ Delivery and Aviation
The test flight, conducted by Unither Bioélectronique test pilot Ric Webb, showcased a modified Robinson R44 helicopter powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The demonstrator, part of Project Proticity, flew for 3 minutes and 16 seconds, with about 90% of its power provided by two low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, supported by a small battery for transient power needs.
Unither Bioélectronique, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics, is pioneering hydrogen propulsion to support its vision of transporting manufactured organs for transplants. Mikaël Cardinal, vice president of program management and organ delivery systems at United Therapeutics, commented:
“Our first test flight successfully demonstrated the hover and maneuver capabilities of our innovative hydrogen powertrain.”
The helicopter’s hydrogen storage system, currently a gaseous hydrogen tank, will be upgraded later this year to a liquid hydrogen system to increase range. The electric motor powering the aircraft is provided by MagniX.
Unither also plans to develop a hybrid-electric R66 helicopter with even more advanced fuel cell integration, where the fuel cell stack will no longer take up cabin space.
Martine Rothblatt, chairperson and CEO of United Therapeutics, drew a powerful biological analogy:
“Just as protons from hydrogen atoms drive the mitochondrial powerplants in each of our bodies’ 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.”
A Collaborative Effort Driving the Future of Hydrogen Helicopters
Unither Bioélectronique is working closely with Robinson Helicopter on Project Proticity. While Robinson Helicopter, based in Torrance, California, provides engineering, technical, and regulatory expertise, Unither focuses on hydrogen integration and testing for certification in both Canada and the U.S.
David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“The importance of this milestone in aviation history cannot be overstated. Project Proticity has taken an incredible first step forward in the path to long-range, zero-emission vertical flight. We are excited to continue developing this technology with our partners at Unither Bioélectronique.”
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(Top image: Credit — Unither Bioélectronique)
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FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation and Helicopters
1. What is a hydrogen-powered helicopter?
A helicopter powered by fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity to drive electric motors.
2. How do hydrogen fuel cells work in aviation?
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as by-products.
3. Why is hydrogen important for aviation?
Hydrogen offers a zero-emission energy source with higher energy density than batteries, enabling longer flights.
4. What are the advantages of hydrogen helicopters over traditional helicopters?
Hydrogen helicopters produce zero emissions, lower noise levels, and have the potential for longer range when combined with liquid hydrogen storage.
5. Who is Unither Bioélectronique?
A subsidiary of United Therapeutics, focused on integrating hydrogen propulsion technology into helicopters for organ delivery missions.
6. What is Project Proticity?
A joint development effort between Unither Bioélectronique and Robinson Helicopter to create hydrogen-powered helicopters.
7. How long did Unither’s hydrogen helicopter flight last?
The maiden flight lasted 3 minutes and 16 seconds.
8. What type of fuel cells were used in the R44 helicopter?
Low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks.
9. What are the future plans for hydrogen helicopters at Unither?
Transitioning to liquid hydrogen storage for greater range and developing a hybrid-electric R66 helicopter.
10. What is the role of Robinson Helicopter in Project Proticity?
Robinson Helicopter provides engineering expertise, regulatory support, and technical guidance to the hydrogen helicopter development program.
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