RX4HE Marks First Hydrogen Flight at Yanqing
The program builds on earlier milestones, such as test flights completed in March 2023 and January 2024.
The RX4HE, a four-seat hydrogen internal combustion engine aircraft, completed its first flight at Beijing Yanqing Badaling Airport on May 15, marking its debut at the site.
The flight lasted 1 hour and 13 minutes, according to a press release from Zhongguancun Yanqing Park in Beijing.
The RX4HE aircraft program is led by Liaoning Ruixiang General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (Rhyxeon), an affiliate of the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA), in partnership with FAW Group, academic institutions, and research organizations. Video: Zhongguancun Yanqing Park.
The flight followed a series of tests conducted on May 13, including drift flights, onboard system checks, and high-speed taxiing, which confirmed the stability and performance of the hydrogen power system.
A pre-flight review held on May 14 focused on safety protocols, crew readiness, weather conditions, and emergency response planning, the Park said.
The project involves collaboration among several institutions, including the Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute, Beijing Hydrogen Energy General Aviation Innovation Institute, Shenyang Aerospace University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Haizhuozhen Hydrogen Aviation Power Technology Co., Ltd., and FAW Group.
The flight campaign builds on earlier milestones, including test flights completed in March 2023 and January 2024.
The RX4HE has a maximum take-off weight of 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) and an empty weight of 860 kg (1,896 lbs). It reaches a maximum speed of 260 km/h (162 mph), cruises at 200 km/h (124 mph), and has an endurance of 1.5 hours.
The aircraft can cover a range of 300 km (186 miles) and operates at a cruising altitude of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). It is equipped with a 50 Ah battery, a maximum power output of 140 kW, and cruise power of 65 kW.
The RX4HE requires a takeoff run distance of 380 meters (1,247 feet) and a landing distance of 400 meters (1,312 feet). It features a high-wing design, front-mounted propeller, and fixed tricycle landing gear.
The airframe measures 8.2 meters (27 feet) in length, has a wingspan of 13.5 meters (44 feet), and a cruising speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
The aircraft stores hydrogen at 70 MPa high pressure with an onboard capacity of 7.5 kg (16.5 pounds).
Its hydrogen internal combustion engine, based on FAW Group’s Hongqi 2.0L platform, achieves a thermal efficiency of 43%, the Park said.
To ensure safety, the design incorporates ventilation channels that circulate air through the hydrogen storage compartment to quickly release any leaked hydrogen.
The engine is mounted with a specialized shock absorber system that reduces vibration to 40% of that found in similar aircraft engines, enhancing overall flight comfort, the Park added.
The news comes shortly after Zhongguancun Yanqing Park announced the maiden flight of the RX1E-S on May 8.
Also developed under the guidance of Yang Fengtian, the RX1E-S is set to support fishery law enforcement trials and environmental monitoring efforts.
The RX1E-S has a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kg (1,433 lbs) and an empty weight of 500 kg (1,102 lbs). It offers a range of 160 km (99 miles), with a cruising speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) and a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
The aircraft requires a takeoff run of 235 meters (771 feet) and a landing distance of 207 meters (679 feet). It has a stall speed of 82 km/h (51 mph) and a service ceiling of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet).
Powered by a 50 kWh battery, the RX1E-S delivers a maximum output of 80 kW and has an endurance of 1.5 hours, making it suitable for short to medium-duration flights.
Its dual-pontoon landing gear and retractable water rudders enable takeoff and landing on waterways as short as 200 meters (656 feet).
According to the announcement, the RX1E-S is 40% quieter than fuel-powered aircraft and produces zero emissions, making it well-suited for ecologically sensitive environments.
Its bionic pontoon design also reduces wave resistance by 30%, minimizing disruption to aquatic ecosystems.
Building on earlier developments with the four-seat electric RX4E, which received CCAR-23 certification in December 2024, the RX1E-S first flew in 2019 and earned its Type Certificate (TC) in 2021, followed by a Production Certificate (PC) in 2022.
LGAA has partnered with Hong Kong’s Volar Air Mobility for RX4E global distribution and certification efforts, targeting markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.
For its part, Yanqing is one of China’s designated “Civil Unmanned Aircraft Test Zones.” Initiatives include 5G-A integrated sensing networks for drone detection and control, continuous drone patrols along the Great Wall, and a partnership with North China University of Technology to establish a Drone College.
Plans call to build a “Future Low-Altitude City” by fostering industry clusters and expanding applications to support regional economic growth.