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Hydrogen-Powered Cargo Plane Successfully Completes Maiden Flight

4/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A cargo plane powered by a hydrogen-fuelled engine completed its maiden flight.
The uncrewed 7.5-tonne aircraft flew 36 km (22 miles) at 220 km/h (137 mph).
It climbed to 300 metres (985 feet) during a 16-minute test.
The Aero Engine Corporation of China said the engine performed well throughout the flight.
The achievement follows ground tests on March 29 and sets the stage for future industrial applications.

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Story summary

A cargo plane powered by a hydrogen-fuelled engine completed its maiden flight.
The uncrewed 7.5-tonne aircraft flew 36 km (22 miles) at 220 km/h (137 mph).
It climbed to 300 metres (985 feet) during a 16-minute test.
The Aero Engine Corporation of China said the engine performed well throughout the flight.
The achievement follows ground tests on March 29 and sets the stage for future industrial applications.