Silent Sovereignty Overflies: H55 Sets Revolutionary Noise Thresholds at Prominent American Airports
H55, a Swiss-based company founded by André Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt, is making waves in the aviation industry with its certified electric propulsion and battery management systems. The company's flagship product, the H55 electric aircraft propulsion system, is currently showcased in the Bristell B23 Energic, which is on tour across America.
Recently, the B23 Energic made a stop at Centennial Airport in Colorado, one of the most noise-sensitive regions in the U.S. Zach Gabehart, Centennial Airport's Noise & Environmental Specialist, noted that across multiple flights, the B23 Energic consistently came in 30 times quieter than similar aircraft during cruise.
The key features of the H55 electric aircraft propulsion system, as demonstrated in the Bristell B23 Energic tests at Centennial Airport, include a dual electric motor configuration that is liquid cooled, delivering up to 90 kW (121 hp) of max takeoff power with max continuous capability. The system emphasises advanced battery management involving sophisticated software for cell configuration, monitoring, thermal management, and fire prevention, crucial for safety in aviation. It operates with a very quiet, vibration-free operation appreciated by pilots and instructors alike.
Benefits demonstrated in the test flights include smooth climbs at 500 feet per minute using standard runway lengths with no loss of efficiency, even at challenging environmental conditions. The flight duration and charging cycle ratio is roughly one hour of charge per hour of flight, with improvement planned by 2027 as battery technology advances. Cost advantages over the aircraft’s lifetime include significantly lower operating costs such as minimal maintenance and no fuel expenses; however, battery replacement is factored into ownership costs, though batteries have a useful life of about 1,500 hours before repurposing.
The aircraft system will become the first standalone electric propulsion system certified by the FAA by 2027, following European certification expected earlier, indicating robust regulatory validation and trust in the technology.
In addition to its quiet operation, the system aims for environmentally friendlier propulsion with zero emissions during operation, though this is inferred based on electric propulsion principles rather than explicitly stated. The H55 event, taking place at Centennial Airport from August 4-10, will offer demo flights, technology showcases, and stakeholder briefings, inviting the public and the aviation community to witness the future of clean flight.
Martin Larose, CEO of H55, stated that the test proves that electric aviation delivers not just environmental benefits, but tangible advantages for the communities around airports. Michael Fronapfel, CEO of Centennial Airport, added that electric aviation isn't the future, it's here, and the B23 Energic offers noise levels so low they're almost too quiet to track.
For more information about H55, visit their website at www.h55.ch or contact [email protected]. The H55 event will also take place at East Hampton Town Airport (KJPX) on August 4-5 and August 8-10, and Francis S. Gabreski Airport (KFOK) on August 6-7.
[1] Source: H55 press release, available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/too-quiet-to-track-h55-redefines-noise-standards-at-major-us-airport-302518942.html. [2] Source: H55 website, accessed July 2023.
- The H55 electric aircraft propulsion system, a product of H55, a Swiss-based company, is making strides in the aviation industry with its noise-reducing performance.
- In tests at Centennial Airport, the H55 system, currently installed in the Bristell B23 Energic, proved to be 30 times quieter than similar aircraft during cruise.
- The technology industry, finance sector, and aerospace industry are all estimated to have a significant interest in H55's compliance with regulatory standards, as the system is intended to be the first standalone electric propulsion system certified by the FAA by 2027.
- Lifestyle and environmental advocates are looking forward to the benefits of electric-vehicles, including cars, as H55's technology can lead to zero emissions during operations.
- In the realm of news and technology, H55 is preparing a series of events, such as demo flights and technology showcases, inviting the public and aviation community to explore the potential of their electric-powered aircraft systems.
