Latest news with #Bromont
Sustainability Times
29-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'World's First Hydrogen Helicopter Takes Off': This Historic Flight Just Changed Aviation Forever and Left Engineers Speechless
IN A NUTSHELL 🚁 Unither Bioelectronics successfully conducted the first piloted flight of a hydrogen-powered helicopter, showcasing a major advancement in sustainable aviation. successfully conducted the first piloted flight of a hydrogen-powered helicopter, showcasing a major advancement in sustainable aviation. 🔋 The helicopter utilized a propulsion system combining two PEM fuel cells and a small battery pack, with 90% of the energy derived from hydrogen. and a small battery pack, with 90% of the energy derived from hydrogen. 🌿 Part of Project Proticity, this initiative aims to develop zero-emission helicopters for missions like organ transportation, linking to Unither Bioelectronics' medical activities. 🔧 Future tests will explore the use of liquid hydrogen storage to enhance range, offering promising prospects for revolutionizing air travel and reducing carbon emissions. In a groundbreaking achievement that marks a significant leap forward in aviation technology, Unither Bioelectronics successfully conducted the first piloted flight of a hydrogen-powered helicopter. On March 27, 2025, an experimental Robinson R44 helicopter took to the skies in Bromont, Quebec, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a viable energy source for aviation. Although the flight lasted merely three minutes and sixteen seconds, it effectively demonstrated the helicopter's ability to hover and maneuver, paving the way for more sustainable aviation solutions. The Successful Test of Revolutionary Technology The core of this innovative flight lies in the advanced propulsion system used by the helicopter. This system combines two proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with a small battery pack to meet the variable energy demands of the aircraft. During the test flight, an impressive 90% of the energy required was derived directly from hydrogen, illustrating the fuel's effectiveness and the potential for reducing aviation's carbon footprint. The successful validation of the PEM fuel cell technology marks a milestone in aviation history. As Unither Bioelectronics stated, the flight proved that the system could meet the high demands of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) profile. This achievement is a significant step towards realizing the dream of zero-emission helicopters, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. 'From Black Dust to Bright Power': These Abandoned Coal Mines Are Now Massive 300 GW Solar Energy Giants Changing the Game Forever Project Proticity: A Vision for Zero Emission Aviation This successful flight is part of Project Proticity, a collaborative effort between Unither Bioelectronics and Robinson Helicopter, announced in 2024. The project's goal is to develop a new generation of zero-emission helicopters capable of performing various missions. One key application of this technology is the transportation of organs, directly linking to Unither Bioelectronics' medical activities. This initiative highlights the potential for hydrogen-powered helicopters to revolutionize both emergency medical services and commercial aviation. Looking ahead, the project aims to incorporate a liquid hydrogen storage system into future test flights. Liquid hydrogen, being more energy-dense than its gaseous counterpart, promises to extend the helicopter's range, thus enhancing its operational capabilities. This advancement could significantly impact the logistics of medical transport and other critical missions. 'America Races to Catch China': U.S. Fast-Tracks Nuclear Reactor Testing in Urgent Bid to Regain Global Energy Lead The Challenges and Opportunities of Hydrogen Aviation While the successful test flight represents a significant achievement, it also underscores the challenges that lie ahead in the field of hydrogen aviation. The technology is still in its nascent stages and requires further development to become commercially viable. Infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution must be established to support widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by hydrogen aviation are vast. Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer the promise of significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased environmental impact. As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen aviation could play a pivotal role in transforming the industry. The successful flight of the hydrogen-powered helicopter is a testament to the potential of this technology to reshape the future of air travel. 'It's Like Magic Fabric That Makes Power': Record-Breaking Flexible Solar Cells Deliver Unmatched Efficiency in Any Shape Impacts and Future Prospects The implications of this achievement extend beyond just the aviation industry. By demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen as a clean energy source, Unither Bioelectronics has set a precedent that could influence other sectors as well. The success of hydrogen-powered aviation could drive innovation in energy technologies, leading to broader applications across different industries. As we move forward, the question remains: How will the aviation industry adapt to embrace hydrogen-powered technology on a larger scale? The journey towards sustainable aviation has begun, and the flight of this hydrogen helicopter is just the first step in a long and promising path. Will hydrogen become the standard for future air travel, and how soon can we expect to see widespread adoption? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deca Announces Agreement with IBM to Bring High-Density Fan-Out Interposer Production to North America
IBM Bromont TEMPE, Ariz., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deca Technologies today announced the signing of an agreement with IBM to implement Deca's M-Series™ and Adaptive Patterning® technologies in IBM's advanced packaging facility in Bromont, Quebec. Through the agreement, IBM will implement a high-volume manufacturing line with a focus on Deca's M-Series Fan-out Interposer Technology (MFIT™). This collaboration builds on IBM's strategy to develop its advanced packaging capabilities. IBM Canada's plant in Bromont is one of North America's largest semiconductor assembly and test sites and has been at the forefront of packaging innovation for over five decades. Recent investments to expand the site's capabilities have positioned it as a critical hub for high-performance packaging and chiplet integration, supporting technologies like MFIT that are essential for AI, HPC, and data center applications. Deca's M-Series platform is the highest-volume fan-out packaging technology in the world, with over seven billion M-Series units shipped. MFIT builds on this proven foundation by integrating embedded bridge die for chips' last processor and memory integration delivering high-density, low-latency connections between chiplets. MFIT provides a cost-effective alternative to full silicon interposers, offering improved signal integrity, greater design flexibility, and the scalable format needed for ever-larger AI, HPC, and data center devices. This cooperation reflects the shared commitment of IBM and Deca to advance the next generation of semiconductor packaging. By combining IBM's advanced packaging capabilities with Deca's proven technology, the two companies are expanding the global supply chain for the future of high-performance chiplet integration and advanced computing systems. 'Advanced packaging and chiplet technology are critical for faster, more efficient computing solutions in the age of AI. Deca will help ensure IBM's Bromont facility remains at the forefront of these innovations, strengthening our commitment to helping our clients bring products to market faster and deliver better performance for AI and data-heavy applications,' said Scott Sikorski, Head of Business Development for Chiplets & Advanced Packaging at IBM. 'IBM's rich history in semiconductor innovation and advanced packaging makes them an ideal partner to bring MFIT to high-volume production,' said Tim Olson, Founder and CEO of Deca. 'We are thrilled to be working together to bring this advanced interposer technology to the North American ecosystem.' About Deca Technologies Deca is a leading provider of advanced-packaging technology to the semiconductor industry with M-Series™ fan-out technology and Adaptive Patterning®. Deca's first generation technologies delivered exceptional quality and reliability, leading it to become the highest volume fan-out in the industry with over seven billion devices shipped to leading smartphones around the world. With the growth of Gen 2 aimed at chiplets and heterogeneous integration, Deca's technologies are emerging as key industry standards for the future. For more information, visit Deca Media Contact: Stephanie Quinn | 480.316.8370 | squinn@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
CTV News
09-05-2025
- CTV News
RCMP bust another suspected meth lab in Quebec; officers seize 2.5 million pills
Several pills were seized in a suspected meth lab in Bromont, Que. on Friday, May 9, 2025. (Source: RCMP)
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Hydrogen Robinson Helicopter On The Bleeding Edge Of Organ Delivery
Robinson R-44 hydrogen fuel cell powered world's first flight. United Therapeutics Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Chairperson and CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation—a biotechnology company—announced that their Unither Bioelectronics subsidiary successfully completed the world's first lift-off of Proticity, a proof-of-concept hydrogen fuel cell-powered Robinson R44 helicopter, on March 27, 2025, at Roland-Désourdy Airport in Bromont, Québec, Canada. The project's milestones and United Therapeutics's broader aspirations were presented by Dr. Rothblatt at the 4th Annual H2-Aero Symposium, held in early April in Long Beach, California. This article is based on that presentation and a follow-up interview with Mikaël Cardinal, Vice President of Program Management – Organ Delivery Systems and the program's chief engineer. Dr. Rothblatt founded United Therapeutics in 1996 to save the life of her youngest daughter, who was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening pulmonary condition. Prior to this, she was a pioneer in satellite communications, having founded SiriusXM Radio and played a key role in launching other satellite ventures such as PanAmSat and GeoStar. Under her leadership, United Therapeutics has become a leader in developing treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension and other life-threatening conditions. The company has also made groundbreaking advances in organ manufacturing and transplantation, including the restoration of otherwise discarded donor lungs. The company is also focused on achieving carbon-neutral production and sustainable delivery of organs. United Therapeutics is actively working toward manufacturing kidneys, hearts, and lungs. One of its three organ manufacturing facilities is already operational, with full capacity expected by 2027, enabling the production of several hundred organs per year at each. United Therapeutics plans to deliver these organs using zero-emissions vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Dr. Rothblatt herself initiated the development and testing of an electrically powered Robinson helicopter securing a Guinness World Record for the longest flight in 2018. United Therapeutics Proticity team after successful flight testing. United Therapeutics The hydrogen helicopter project is entirely funded by United Therapeutics, with no current government or investor support. Robinson Helicopter Company contributes significant in-kind engineering support, providing time, expertise, and resources. The core team includes a dozen in-house engineers, supplemented by third-party specialists in fuel cell technology. For local development and proof-of-concept flight operations, the team consists of approximately two dozen engineers and several test pilots, working in close collaboration with Robinson's engineering staff. From its electrical helicopter demonstration flights, United Therapeutics gained critical insights into the limitations of battery technology, particularly in delivering sufficient power and range in vertical takeoff and landing operations. To overcome these constraints, the team has turned to hydrogen propulsion, which offers an energy density superior to batteries. The company's long-term goal is to develop a helicopter with a 250-nautical-mile range and a 600-pound payload including the pilot, while near-term goals are set at a 200-nautical-mile range with a 500-pound payload. The company is actively developing a pilot-less variant. Once regulatory clearance is obtained, autonomous features will increase the aircraft's useful payload capacity. In addition to clean air, another key benefit is reduced noise. Without the piston engine of the R44 or the gas turbine of the R66, the electrified version will generate significantly less perceived noise over populated areas. While the company is still quantifying the reduction, early observations show a clear drop in both perceived loudness and psychoacoustic annoyance. Technical parameters of the parallel hybrid fuel cell battery power plant implemented on the ... More helicopter. 178 kW power is demonstrated. United Therapeutics Technical side of the helicopter The developed proof-of-concept powerplant is engineered to match the performance of the original Lycoming IO-540 piston engine it replaces, delivering equivalent continuous power at approximately 2,100 RPM, now via a low-speed electric motor, manufactured by MagniX. The system is computer-controlled to maintain a constant main rotor speed, drawing power from a parallel hybrid setup. During the first flight, the system achieved a peak output of 178 kW, with hover shaft power around 155 kW. The remaining power supported auxiliary systems, such as supply compressors and cooling. The parallel hybrid configuration includes two 92 kW fuel cell stacks and a 45 kW peak-rated booster battery. Over 90% of the time the power during flight came from the fuel cells, with the battery supplementing short bursts of demand—such as rapid torque inputs—ensuring smooth and responsive control. The prototype helicopter features distinctive side pods resembling jet engines, which house a state-of-the-art liquid cooling system. These pods manage the significant heat generated by the fuel cell system through a dedicated cooling loop. While effective for the current design, this solution is not planned for the conforming production model. Instead, upgraded designs will adopt intermediate-temperature fuel cell stacks, which will require significantly smaller cooling systems. Hydrogen on board First flights utilized a Type 4 compressed gas hydrogen tank, featuring a thermoplastic liner wrapped in carbon fiber. Later this year, the company plans to transition to a liquid hydrogen system, using a vacuum-insulated, dual-shell composite tank built by Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories, Inc.. Compared to traditional metallic liquid systems, the composite tanks offer lower thermal mass, significantly reducing hydrogen boil-off. Once released, the cryogenic hydrogen becomes a cold gas, which is then warmed via a heat exchanger before entering the fuel cells. The gaseous system operates at 10,000 psi, storing up to 4.5 kg of hydrogen, while the upcoming liquid system will support up to 20 kg, greatly extending range and endurance. United Therapeutics's R&D test operations are based in Quebec, Canada, where the company benefits from local green liquid hydrogen production via hydroelectric electrolysis, providing essential infrastructure support. To enable on-site refueling, a liquid hydrogen storage tank is being installed at the test facility. The fueling operations will be supplied by tanker trucks from a nearby production plant located just 30 minutes away, ensuring efficient and sustainable fuel logistics. The name Proticity, chosen for the hydrogen-powered helicopter project, refers to the electrochemical process within mitochondria that generates energy for living cells. This biologically inspired concept reflects United Therapeutics' biomedical roots and underscores their leadership mission to merge sustainable innovation with life-saving technologies across both healthcare and aviation.
