HYCOPTER is the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered multi-rotor UAV. HYCOPTER is being readied for a record flight endurance of 4 hours, or 8 to 10 times the average flight duration of equivalent systems today.
Unlike any other rotorcraft, HYCOPTER makes use of its frame structure to store energy in the form of hydrogen instead of air, eliminating energy storage weight. With less lift power required, HYCOPTER’s ultra-light fuel cell turns the hydrogen in its frame into electricity to power its rotors.
With HUS breakthrough technology, today’s 20-30 minute multi-rotor missions shift to a new paradigm with flights lasting several hours at a time. Aerial survey jobs will become materially cheaper/faster and drone delivery over longer distances, more feasible.
In a clever design feature, the Hycopter stores 120 g of hydrogen gas in its existing structural tubing without requiring any additional containers. According to Horizon, that amount of hydrogen should provide the same amount of energy as 3 kg of lithium batteries. HYCOPTER is powered by Horizon Energy Systems (HES) ultra-light fuel cells.
The hydrogen gas is converted into electricity by a lightweight lithium polymer hybrid fuel cell. Altogether, the complete drone should weigh a total of 5 kg , and be capable of carrying a payload of up to 1 kg. Hydrogen fuel cells work by reacting hydrogen with oxygen.
According to Gizmag,
“the flying prototype is almost ready to go, and should be making its first flight later this year. In the meantime, the company is taking preorders for the Hycopter from interested parties. Final pricing has yet to be determined.”
The Hycopter made an appearance at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International 2015 exposition in Georgia earlier this year, and cameoed on a news segment.
