As the search for longer enduring flights continue in the drone industry, UK-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy (IE) has unveiled a new 120kW hydrogen fuel cell power system for heavy-lift fixed-wing drones, and secured its largest commercial order to date in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) sector.
Known as IE-FLIGHT 120, the system is the latest addition to Intelligent Energy’s IE-FLIGHT range of aerospace fuel cell products. It bridges the gap between the company’s existing IE-SOAR systems and the higher-power fuel cell technology it is developing for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and regional aviation.
The company says its new fuel cell system meets growing demand for long-range flight missions and was designed to replace internal combustions engines for fixed-wing UAVs capable of carrying payloads between 150kg and 750kg for surveillance, public safety, security and logistics operations.
“The UAV market is moving rapidly towards larger aircraft that need to fly further, carry heavier payloads and stay airborne for much longer,” said Greg Harris, Chief Commercial Officer at Intelligent Energy.
“That’s where hydrogen fuel cells have a clear advantage.
“Our new fixed-wing power system demonstrates how our fuel cell technology can scale to an entirely new class of aircraft. It builds on the same platform we’re developing for larger aircraft and shows how hydrogen can unlock new capability across both the UAV and aerospace sectors.
“Combined with a record order for our IE-SOAR technology, this launch underlines a clear trend in the market. Operators are increasingly turning to hydrogen propulsion to achieve longer endurance, greater payload capacity and improved mission capability.”
The twin milestones come at a time when Intelligent Energy says its UAV business is scaling up, driven by rising demand for hydrogen-powered drones capable of flying further, carrying heavier payloads and operating for longer than battery-powered alternatives.
The company says its announcements follow the UK Government’s commitment to invest £5 billion in drones and autonomous systems through its Defence Investment Plan, reinforcing the UK’s ambition to strengthen its domestic drone industry.
They also reflect the growing commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel cells for UAVs.
We have checked, but there have been no numbers released on the actual amount of time a drone can stay in the air on the new energy system. But IE says, compared with battery-powered aircraft, its fuel cells can deliver flight times three to five times longer while emitting only water vapour.
Hydrogen fuel cells also reportedly offer significant advantages over internal combustion engines, including lower noise, less vibration, reduced maintenance and a lower thermal signature, making them particularly well suited to surveillance, defence and security missions.
Earlier this year, Intelligent Energy secured £17 million through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)-backed HEIGHTS programme to accelerate development of its high-power aviation fuel cell systems. The company has also invested in a new high-power fuel cell test centre at Chelveston, Northamptonshire, to support the next phase of development.