Powered by a lightweight hydrogen fuel-cell, the HYCOPTER is an industry first and will be attempting a record flight endurance of four hours – eight to 10 times the average 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 cellturns the hydrogen in its frame into electricity to power its rotors.
With Singapore-based Horizon Unmanned Systems (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.
The work on increasing the distance this device can travel will have positive ramifications for the hydrogen industry as a whole, as any steps made to reduce weight and increase the distance travelled, will also influence trends in the vehicle fuelling market.
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