NOVELTY - The electrical power unit (10) has a hydrogen generation system (16) positioned on-board the aircraft and that generates hydrogen using reaction between water and metal. A fuel cell (14) is positioned on-board the aircraft and operatively connected to hydrogen generation system so that fuel cell receives hydrogen from hydrogen generation system. The fuel cell generates electrical power from hydrogen received from hydrogen generation system and electrically connected to electrical component (12) for supplying component with electrical power.    USE - Electrical power unit e.g. EPU, auxiliary power unit (APU) for providing electrical power to electrical component on-board aircraft. Uses include but are not limited to flight controls, avionics, linked hydraulics, displays, instruments, sensors, galley ovens, heaters, refrigeration units, lighting, fans, de-ice and anti-ice systems, engine management systems, flight management systems, power distribution components, starters, starter- generators, environmental controls, pressurization systems, entertainment systems, microwaves, weapon systems, cameras, signal processors, power distribution components, capacitors, and/or electrical components that process, transmit, and/or relay data in airplane, fixed wing aircraft, aerostats, powered lift aircraft, and/or rotorcraft.    ADVANTAGE - The self-sealed nature of the reaction simplifies and/or reduces the cost of design and manufacture of the reactor. The self-sealed nature of the reaction enables relatively controllable, relatively steady, and relatively consistent rate of hydrogen generation. Provides more flexible deployment closer to the actual loads that use the power supplied by electrical power unit by providing controlled rated output power for the duration of use. The electrical power unit that uses traditional commodity metals and water as feedstock for generating hydrogen that is relatively easy to handle is widely adopted, and/or cost-effective. Reduces cost of the electrical power unit by promoting multiple suppliers.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method for providing electrical power on-board an aircraft.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram of the electrical power unit for an aircraft.    Electrical power unit (10)    Electrical component (12)    Fuel cell (14)    Hydrogen generation system (16)    Hydrogen inlet (18)