Unither Bioelectronics (UB) and Robinson Helicopter Company have agreed to develop hydrogen-powered helicopters to transport organs for transplants.
Canadian firm UB is expected to support the US-based Robinson in developing hydrogen-powered products based on its R44 and R66 models.
Under the terms of the agreement, Robinson will provide engineering, technical and regulatory expertise to “streamline the development and certification” of the helicopters. The goal is to gain certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
UB wants to redefine how organs are transported via the United Therapeutics Organ Delivery Systems (UTODS). The company’s Head of the UTODS development programme, Mikael Cardinal, said, “This collaboration accelerates the development of sustainable transportation solutions for life-saving organs.”
He added, “Hydrogen-powered aircraft are the next frontier in sustainable aviation.”
David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, claimed his firm is “committed to leading the vertical lift industry into the next generation of flight.”
Smith explained, “By deepening our existing relationship with UB, we can accelerate the arrival of zero-emission helicopters.”
In 2021, ZeroAvia’s HyPoint and Piasecki Aircraft Corporation unveiled their hydrogen-powered helicopter, with the expectation that it could be ready to enter operations in 2025.
