HYSKY Monthly’s latest webinar featured Edward Boyle, Chief Strategy Officer at Stellar Aircraft, presenting groundbreaking advancements in hydrogen eVTOL technology. With a background in aerospace, AI, and climate tech, Boyle has been a driving force in hydrogen storage, production, and integration across aviation. His work at Stellar focuses on embedding AI into onboard control systems, Starlink communications, and vertiport coordination, making aviation automation smarter and more efficient.
The presentation explored key technological breakthroughs, solid-state hydrogen storage innovations, and Stellar’s vision for next-generation sustainable aviation.
Revolutionizing Hydrogen eVTOL Flight
Stellar Aircraft is bringing a major leap in aviation by integrating hydrogen power with battery-assisted takeoff, allowing for significantly greater range and efficiency. The solid-state hydrogen battery breakthrough enhances energy storage capacity, providing between 2x-6x the range of conventional gas or liquid hydrogen storage methods.
VTOL Capabilities: Combines the flexibility of a helicopter with the range of a jet.
Extended Flight Distance: 1,150 to 2,400 miles—5-10x the range of existing eVTOLs.
Speed & Efficiency: Up to 325 mph, 2x the speed of helicopters and eVTOLs.
Cost Savings: 75% reduction in fuel costs with blue hydrogen at $2/kg.
Solid State Hydrogen for Stellar’s VTOL
Stellar Aircraft is leveraging five key patents across propulsion, wing design, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell integration. The company has access to over 100 additional patents from federal research and defense organizations, positioning it as a leader in hydrogen aviation technology.
Solid-State Hydrogen Storage: Patent-pending metal hydride technology offers 35-50% absorption rates, far surpassing traditional hydrogen storage systems like Toyota Mirai’s (5.7%) and liquid hydrogen (7-10%).
Advanced Fueling Infrastructure: Sapphyre Hydrogen, one of Stellar’s partners, is focused on reducing hydrogen production costs and enhancing distribution efficiency through modular, small-footprint production units.
AI-Driven Aviation Automation: Stellar integrates AI-powered control systems, Starlink communications, and vertiport coordination to optimize aircraft operations.
Safety Measures: The aircraft is equipped with a solid metal hydride storage system, a full-plane parachute, and proprietary cooling for stealth operations.
Expanding Hydrogen Aviation Across Markets
Stellar Aircraft’s innovative designs are being tailored for multiple sectors:
Commercial Jet Market: Large VTOL aircraft for point-to-point operations with a focus on regional connectivity.
Defense & Stealth Applications: Low infrared heat signatures and ultra-quiet fan jets make Stellar Aircraft ideal for special operations, tactical insertions, and reconnaissance missions.
Medical & Emergency Response: Stellar 1st Responder configurations are designed for search & rescue (SAR) missions and medevac operations, offering extended range and hover time.
What’s Next for Stellar Aircraft?
The first 1/3 scale test flight featuring solid-state hydrogen technology is scheduled for June 2025. The company is also in discussions with BMW and other potential licensees to scale production. Additionally, Boyle is leading Stellar’s partnerships with Yale, UCONN, and top research institutions on nanotechnology and hydrogen innovations.
As the hydrogen aviation revolution continues, Stellar Aircraft is leading the charge in bringing sustainable, long-range flight capabilities to market. Their unique blend of solid-state hydrogen storage, AI-driven automation, and strategic partnerships signals a transformative shift in aerospace technology.
For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation & Stellar Aircraft
What makes Stellar Aircraft different from other hydrogen aircraft?
Stellar uses solid-state hydrogen storage, which offers 2x-6x better efficiency than gas or liquid hydrogen.
How far can Stellar’s aircraft fly on hydrogen?
Stellar’s VTOL aircraft can fly between 1,150 to 2,400 miles, much farther than typical eVTOLs.
What is solid-state hydrogen storage?
It’s a metal hydride-based storage system that allows higher absorption rates and eliminates boil-off issues found in liquid hydrogen storage.
How does hydrogen improve flight efficiency?
Hydrogen fuel cells reduce emissions, extend range, and lower operational costs compared to traditional jet fuels.
What are the main applications for Stellar Aircraft?
Commercial travel, military operations, emergency response, and cargo transport.
How does Stellar Aircraft’s safety compare to traditional aircraft?
Stellar’s aircraft features solid-state hydrogen storage, a full-plane parachute, and low infrared heat signatures for stealth operations.
What partnerships does Stellar Aircraft have?
Stellar is working with BMW Designworks, Siemens, Yale, UCONN, and DOD organizations like SOCOM and Army Futures.
How does Stellar Aircraft plan to scale production?
Through DOE research grants, military contracts, and licensing agreements with global aviation and energy companies.
What is Sapphyre Hydrogen, and how does it impact costs?
Sapphyre Hydrogen is a modular hydrogen production system that significantly reduces costs and enables on-site fuel production at airports and vertiports.
When will Stellar’s hydrogen aircraft be available?
The first 1/3 scale test flight is set for June 2025, with full-scale production in the following years.
HYSKY Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to decarbonizing aviation and aerospace with hydrogen. We welcome innovators from eVTOLs/advanced air mobility, fixed-wing aircraft, and spacecraft. Our mission is simple: if it defies gravity and uses hydrogen as fuel, it’s part of our vision for sustainable flight.
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