John Piasecki, CEO of PIAC, known for its long history of developing experimental aircraft, has said his company will be undertaking the world’s first human-carrying flight tests aboard EDM aerotec’s CoAX-2D helicopter. According to EVTOL.news, the hydrogen-powered aircraft will use an 80-kW HyPoint high-temperature proton-exchange membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell.
EDM aerotec will collaborate with PIAC to bring the CoAX-2D to the US market, potentially as soon as next year.
“Both partners can continue to develop and complement their know-how—this is the perfect prerequisite for future developments,” EDM aerotec CEO Anja Ernst said in a statement.
To support its research, PIAC has obtained two CoAX-2D helicopters for engineering and flight evaluations. The company says the hydrogen version of the CoAX-2D will consist of a battery, hydrogen tank, electric motor, power inverter, computer controller, four cooling fans, plus an oxygen tank.
