Beyond Aero, the aircraft manufacturer, has successfully completed France's first manned flight powered entirely by hydrogen-electric technology.

The flight, piloted by the experienced Paul Prudent, was aboard the Blériot prototype. Named in honor of the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot, known for making the first aeroplane flight across the English Channel, the aircraft is a retrofit from a ULA aircraft model G1 SPYL-XL. The propulsion system is 100% hydrogen-electric, driving a single propeller. The powertrain, showcased at the last Paris Air Show in June on a bench, features an unprecedented hybridization ratio: two-thirds of its power comes from a hydrogen fuel cell, with the remaining third supplied by batteries.

Starting in January, the flight test campaign was conducted at the Gap-Tallard airfield, over the skies of southern France. The Beyond Aero team completed 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 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.

This 85kW aircraft serves as a demonstrator, validating the feasibility of Beyond Aero's powertrain architecture as well as the manufacturer's capability to make possible, certifiable and profitable the first electric business aircraft designed for hydrogen propulsion.