On. Mar 2, Universal Hydrogen's Dash 8 Q300 nicknamed "Lightening McClean" completed its first successful test flight at Grant Co. Intl (MWH) in Washington. The flight, lasting a total 15 minutes, operated one of the two engines solely on hydrogen-electric. The engine is a magni650 electric propulsion unit (EPU) and is powered by a modified Plug Power hydrogen fuel cell system. The hydrogen fuel cell is the largest fuel cell ever to power an aircraft. During the test flight, the test pilot, Alex Kroll, reduced the throttle on the turbine engine, allowing the hydrogen-electric engine to provide the cruise power. Universal Hydrogen's milestone flight is good news for its customers, as over 250 conversion orders have been placed along with an additional 16 options placed, equaling $1 billion in total orders.
