Beyond Aero has claimed the first fully hydrogen-electric flights in France, completing a January-February 2024 test campaign from Gap-Tallard airfield consisting of 10 takeoffs, including two complete flights, reaching an altitude of 2,300 feet above sea level and a climbing speed of 110 km/h.

The company’s aircraft – named Blériot in honour of the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot, known for making the English Channel crossing – features a 100% hydrogen-electric propulsion system driving a single propeller. The powertrain, showcased at the 2023 Paris Air Show, features what Beyond Aero claims to be an “unprecedented” hybridization ratio: two-thirds of its power comes from a hydrogen fuel cell, with the remaining third supplied by batteries.

The Blériot prototype operates on 1.2 kg of gaseous hydrogen stored in three tanks at 340 bar, generating a maximum electrical power of 85 kW. This achievement stems from a rigorous three-month ground testing campaign that focused on the reliability of the powertrain, culminating in successful fixed-point tests at 170 kg thrust and validated rolling tests. Blériot is a retrofit from a ULA aircraft model G1 SPYL-XL.

Co-founder and chief executive Eloa Guillotin said: “An idea is nothing until a team, bold enough, makes it happen. My deepest gratitude goes to Hugo, Matthieu, Luc, our partners and investors who trusted us in this adventure. It’s a big milestone for the company but only the beginning for the New Aero industry. We’ve continued France’s pioneering legacy in aerospace and mixed it with the modern American mindset to define the next chapter with action. Aviation will be electric, let’s make it happen together!”

The aircraft was flown by Paul Prudent.
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter