World’s 1st hydrogen-powered VTOL plane to be ‘fully refueled in just $500’

A Switzerland-based aerospace company has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered luxury VTOL aircraft SiriusJet. The aircraft is claimed to be cost-efficient as the total cost for a full fuel tank refill, covering the maximum travel distance, is a mere $500.

Featuring a near-silent operation, Sirius Aviation’s aircraft is claimed to produce 90% less noise compared to a helicopter.

At 100 meters distance, the plane creates the noise level similar to a dishwasher, which allows it to operate close to communities. The aircraft is equipped with an airframe parachute system, which reportedly reduces the incident risk to virtually zero.

The company claimed that in the event of a critical emergency, the SiriusJet’s Emergency Parachute System is programmed to deploy automatically, providing an additional layer of safety assurance.

New type of propulsion system

Powered by 28 ducted system, the new type of propulsion system reduces noise emissions. 20 fans are located along the wings, 8 mounted in the canard. A separate electric motor drives each ducted fan, according to the company.

The 3-seater aircraft has a range of 1150 miles (1850 km).

Vertical take-off and landing

The versatility of vertical take-off and landing allows freedom of direct and point-to-point flight experience, allowing passengers to land at their chosen locations.

The SiriusJet is engineered to produce <60 dB noise level. The jet is a zero-emission plane and has no environmental impact .

Its range exceeds the capabilities of fully electric eVTOLs

The VTOL plane can take off and land as a helicopter and fly as fast as as an airplane. Its range of 1150 miles exceeds the capabilities of fully electric eVTOLs, which typically max out at around 150 miles.

Featuring pressurized cabin and ducted fan design solution, the SiriusJet is engineered to reach high altitudes of 30,000 feet and achieve a cruise speed of 520 km/h or 323 mph.

Passenger’s psychological comfort

The company claims that its airframe parachute system significantly enhances passenger psychological comfort, especially for those apprehensive about flying, akin to Muhammad Ali, who famously flew with his own parachute.

We recognize the concern for passenger psychological comfort in small planes and have addressed it with this solution, said the company.

Sirius plans to launch two zero-emission configurations of the aircraft in 2025: the Sirius Business Jet and the Sirius Millenium Jet. The former will serve private jet needs by accommodating three passengers. Sirius’ Millenium Jet serves commercial needs, accommodates five passengers, and can travel a range of 650 miles.