Intelligent Energy’s 650W Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) was used by MetaVista to demonstrate the endurance capability of its multi-copter UAS, the company announced on 31 January.
Fuel cells can offer significantly longer flight times for civil and military UAS when compared to traditional batteries.
For the flight test, which lasted just under 11 hours, MetaVista used 390g of liquid hydrogen in a six-litre cylinder. This specially designed liquid hydrogen system, coupled with Intelligent Energy’s 650W FCPM system, provided 1865Wh/kg energy density.The test flight was part of work that aims to significantly increase flight time for commercial UAV operators.
David Woolhouse, CEO at Intelligent Energy, said: ‘We have been focussed for some time on developing lightweight, robust fuel cell power modules for UAVs that can offer commercial users something that batteries simply cannot – significantly longer flight time.
‘We are pleased to have worked with MetaVista on this test flight, which has demonstrated that liquid hydrogen can increase that flight time further still when compared to compressed hydrogen – three times longer! This is a real game changer for commercial users who need longer in the air. We look forward to seeing MetaVista develop their product commercially over the coming months.’
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