en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Intelligent Energy (IE) has recently launched a 120kW hydrogen fuel cell power system for heavy-duty fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while announcing its largest commercial order to date in the drone sector.
The new IE-FLIGHT™ 120 product is positioned for long-range fixed-wing UAVs with payload capacities ranging from 150 kg to 750 kg. This product fills the gap between the company's existing IE-SOAR™ UAV fuel cell system and the high-power fuel cell systems under development for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and regional aviation.
Compared to traditional battery-powered drones, Intelligent Energy's hydrogen fuel cell system can extend flight time by 3 to 5 times, with the only emission being water vapor during operation. Compared to traditional internal combustion engine power systems, hydrogen fuel cells also offer advantages such as lower noise, reduced vibration, less maintenance requirements, and a lower infrared thermal signature.
The new product launch coincides with the UK government's announcement of a £5 billion investment in drones and autonomous systems under the Defence Investment Plan. Greg Harris, Chief Commercial Officer of Intelligent Energy, stated that the drone market is rapidly shifting toward larger platforms requiring greater range, higher payload capacity, and longer mission endurance, where hydrogen fuel cells hold a clear advantage.
Earlier this year, Intelligent Energy received £17 million in funding from the HEIGHTS project, supported by the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), for the development of high-power aviation fuel cell systems. The company has also built a high-power fuel cell testing center in Chelveston, Northamptonshire, UK.
Intelligent Energy is a UK-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer with products applied in aerospace, data centers, drones, eVTOL, material handling equipment, and microgrids. With over 25 years of fuel cell research, development, and manufacturing experience, the company holds 500 patents and offers products with power outputs ranging from 1kW to 1MW.
