Alaka’i argues that hydrogen fuel cells provide greater range and efficiency for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft compared to battery technology.
Alaka’i Technologies, a pioneer in the air mobility sector and hydrogen powered aircraft manufacturer, has taken a different approach to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development. While many companies are focusing on battery-powered vehicles, Alaka’i believes hydrogen fuel cells offer a superior solution for sustainable air transportation. Their hydrogen-powered Skai eVTOL boasts an initial range of 200 miles, with a larger version planned to double that distance.
Alaka’i highlights the limitations of battery technology. FAA regulations mandate 20 minutes of reserve flight time, which is difficult to achieve with batteries while maintaining adequate range. However, hydrogen’s high energy density allows for extended flight durations and eliminates the need for frequent recharging infrastructure.
The article acknowledges the higher upfront cost of hydrogen fuel cells compared to batteries. However, Alaka’i argues that the weight savings and longer lifespan of fuel cells will outweigh the initial cost. Additionally, the recyclability of 95% of the materials in hydrogen fuel cells is a significant environmental benefit.
Hugh Kelly, Head of Marketing, Alaka’i Technology, said, “We expect to be done with G-2 later this year and then we’ll do G-3 and G-4 and hopefully be into the full inspections phase and all the testing next year, and that usually is a nine- to 18-month process. The problem is the FAA requires us to have 20 minutes of reserved flight time, and that’s very difficult to do with batteries and still maintain any reasonable distance.”
The potential cost reduction from new government hydrogen tax credits is also explored. Alaka’i estimates that their operating costs could drop from $1,100 per hour to under $800 within a few years.
Hugh Kelly, Head of Marketing, Alaka’i Technology, said, “Because the energy density is so much greater and the power-to-weight ratio is so much better, we can get that longer range, so we don’t need recharging infrastructure every time we stop. Very confident that the benefits from the weight and the longer life cycle will more than pay for that. Our models suggest that we could drop from an hourly operating cost of around $1,100 today down to less than $800 in five to six years. We have a fuel port on the vehicle, you plug a hose into it that locks in place, and it takes about 10 minutes to transfer the hydrogen. An extension of the private aviation market. For example, think of corporate aviation departments who need to transport people to their jets, or aircraft management companies who handle high-net-worth individuals, or fractional ownership. This saves a lot in terms of having to relocate jet aircraft, which adds up on the hours that contribute towards maintenance costs.”
The article details Alaka’i’s current use of green hydrogen for testing and the simple refueling process that takes about 10 minutes. Initially, Skai will target business and general aviation sectors, offering transportation to and from small airports. This service could benefit corporate aviation departments, aircraft management companies, and fractional ownership programs by eliminating the need for frequent jet relocations.
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Looking ahead, Alaka’i envisions expanding to scheduled passenger services and potentially on-demand air taxi options. While initial flight costs are expected to be higher than ride-sharing services, the convenience and time savings could be significant. The article concludes by mentioning Alaka’i’s development of an autonomous version of the Skai, but acknowledges FAA approval for such pilotless operations is likely a decade away.
Question- What is the advantage of Alaka’i’s hydrogen fuel cell approach over battery-powered eVTOLs?
Answer– Alaka’i’s Skai offers longer range and avoids the need for extensive battery charging infrastructure.
Question- What are the environmental benefits of Alaka’i’s Skai eVTOL?
Answer– Skai utilizes green hydrogen and boasts a 95% recyclable fuel cell system.
Question- What is the initial target market for the Skai eVTOL?
Answer- The Skai initially targets business and general aviation sectors, facilitating transportation to and from small airports.
