H2PlasmaRay
Hydrogen-Powered Flying Saucer Could Be Your Electric Taxi in 5 Years. Emerging aircraft design has been focused on the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) segment. Using electric engines powered by batteries, the aircraft are quiet and maneuverable, with the ability to take off and land from anywhere. Their Achilles heel is limited battery capacity. Most have a limited range and operating time, so the eVTOL is being developed for the urban air-taxi market. While advances in battery technology are ongoing, breakthroughs tend to be incremental rather than revolutionary.
The H2PlasmaRay has a wingspan of about 22 feet. It is a two-passenger aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of about 2000 lbs. The design includes 48 electric ducted fans with 8-inch diameters. Thirty-eight are for vertical takeoff and landing, while the remaining 10 are for forward flight.
Beyond standard hydrogen fuel cells, the company is also making prototypes powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells as well as standard electric batteries. The H2PlasmaRay has seating for two. Initially, it will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, but the company also intends to make an all-electric version for urban taxi and drone networks.