Unither Bioelectronics steps up plans for hydrogen helicopters

Green hydrogen will drive the membrane-based fuel cell powerplants in Robinson R66 organ delivery electric helicopters.

Unither Bioelectronics Inc. and Robinson Helicopter Company have entered into a collaboration agreement to accelerate UB’s development of hydrogen-powered helicopters based on Robinson’s popular R44 and R66 helicopter models. This strategic collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of zero-emission helicopters and increase the likelihood of regulatory approval.

Under the terms of the agreement, Robinson will provide its extensive engineering, technical and regulatory expertise to help streamline the development and certification of these innovative hydrogen-electric helicopters with the goal of obtaining certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Just as protons from hydrogen atoms drive the mitochondrial powerplants in each of our body’s 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,” says Martine Rothblatt, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of United Therapeutics “We are honored to be working with one of the world's largest helicopter manufacturers as we continue to extend our track record of saving hundreds of lives through aviation-delivered transplanted lungs.

“This collaboration accelerates the development of sustainable transportation solutions for life-saving organs,” adds Mikael Cardinal, Vice President of Program Management and Organ Delivery Systems and Head of the United Therapeutics Organ Delivery Systems (UTODS) development program. “Hydrogen-powered aircraft are the next frontier in sustainable aviation. We are committed to developing a zero-operational carbon emission fleet of aircraft, and we look forward to working with the expert team at Robinson Helicopter to enable regulatory approval and production of these aircraft.”

“Robinson is committed to leading the vertical lift industry into the next generation of flight,” says David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “By deepening our existing relationship with Unither Bioelectronics, we can accelerate the arrival of zero-emission helicopters.”

Headquartered in Bromont, Québec, UB seeks to redefine how organs are transported for transplant via the UTODS. Currently under development, the UTODS is intended to serve as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system capable of delivering manufactured organs from United Therapeutics’ facilities to transplant centers across North America. Under the UTODS program, UB is developing next-generation electric- and hydrogen-powered, optionally piloted vertical lift aircraft capable of operating from existing hospital air-transport infrastructure.