Hydrogen propulsion for drones

  • Reading Time:2Minutes

A British company, Intelligent Energy, claims that its development is radically transforming drone technology. At first glance, they are like commercially available structures, but this experimental model works with hydrogen. By-products of the combustion process are water and warm air. The inventors say they solved the problem of short flight times and refueling. The two fuel cells at the top take oxygen from the air the propellers help the process and here, at the bottom, is the hydrogen tank. Hydrogen and oxygen flow through the cells, creating a direct current, explains Julian Hughes, acting director of consumer electronics at Intelligent Energy. According to experts, the turnover of commercial drones will increase at an accelerating pace in the coming years: by 2022, it could reach seven billion euros. The invention of the British company solves the most burning problem.

The biggest problem with current battery technology is that the machine can only be in the air for just 15 minutes and it takes hours for the battery to charge again. Our fuel cell solution significantly increases flight time, which can be as long as an hour or two, and you don’t have to bother with axes, we change the fuel source in a minute, says Julian Hughes. Intelligent Energy recently announced a partnership with one of the largest wire manufacturers. However, the energy group doesn’t just see fantasy in the drones. The market has moved and more and more car factories are using fuel cells in aircraft as well. But fuel cells are used as a backup power source for cell phone towers and generators, stresses Julian Hughes. Intelligent Energy hopes that fuel cell drones will hit the market next year. The company is also working with a smartphone maker to develop a hydrogen battery that will last for more than a week.

More articles you may be interested in...

News & Articles Points of interest

Autonomous flight versus human control – Which way is the future?

News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel

China’s hypersonic leap: A propulsion breakthrough poised to reshape global aerospace

The race to master hypersonic flight travel exceeding five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 has long captivated the imaginations of engineers and military strategists alike. On March 23, 2025, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) unveiled a development that could tilt this high-stakes contest decisively in favor...>>>...READ MORE

Air taxi News & Articles

New business models – The role of electric air taxis in urban transport

Electric air taxis, or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are emerging as a potential solution to urban transport...>>>...READ MORE

Additional aircraft News & Articles

Regent Craft begins testing all-electric seaglider

Drones News & Articles

The hydrogen-powered military drone is launched

Drones News & Articles

Delivery by drones in 2025

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Archer Aviation and Palantir Technologies unite to forge the AI-driven future of aviation

On March 13, 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration was unveiled in Santa Clara, California, as Archer...>>>...READ MORE

more

Additional aircraft News & Articles

Bio-inspired drone technology: pioneering Mars exploration

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Evolution of eVTOLs and electric aircraft in 2025: A comprehensive analysis

The year 2025 marks a pivotal period for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft...>>>...READ MORE

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Joby and Virgin Atlantic announce groundbreaking partnership

News & Articles Points of interest

Artificial intelligence outperforms human pilots in simulated air combat

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming military technology, with significant advancements in autonomous combat systems...>>>...READ MORE

more

Flying Cars News & Articles

Will we have flying cars before fully self-driving cars ?

The race to bring science fiction to life is heating up but it might not be self-driving cars that reach the finish line first. While the dream of autonomous vehicles navigating our roads has faced significant technological and regulatory hurdles, another futuristic concept flying cars appears to be gaining ground....>>>...READ MORE