The Russian Yak-40 passenger aircraft, previously presented at the MAKS-2021 aviation exhibition in an electric version, may also receive a hydrogen engine in the future. This was stated on Friday, September 3, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia Denis Manturov.
According to him, as part of the research work, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) is working out solutions for the Yak-40 electric engine, but with hydrogen cooling of the electric system.
"This is the first stage. The second stage will be the use of hydrogen as fuel cells in order to provide electric aircraft with energy," Manturov said in an interview with RIA Novosti at the Eastern Economic Forum (WEF).
He pointed out that first it is necessary to fully work out the design with an electric motor, and only then or in parallel to start using hydrogen.
In addition, the minister said that the Baikal aircraft with an electric motor can take off for the first time in 2024, and go into production after 2026.
The Yak-40 with an electric motor made its first flight as part of the tests on July 24 at the MAKS-2021 air show. The aircraft, equipped with a hybrid power plant based on a gas turbine engine and a superconducting electric motor, turned on the electric power plant during the flight.
As noted, the hybrid power plant complements the two standard turbojet engines of the aircraft. At the same time, the electric motor is more economical than its analogues by 5-20%.
Earlier, on July 20, Manturov reported that the Baikal aircraft, which is to replace the An-2 "maize", is planned to be retrofitted with an electric motor. He added that the delivery of the aircraft should begin in 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December 2020 that a prototype of the Baikal — a new passenger aircraft with nine seats, which is designed to replace the outdated An-2 aircraft, should be ready in Russia in 2021.
