AUVSI 2015: Horizon Unveils the World's First Hydrogen Powered, 4H-Endurance Multi-Rotor UAV

HYCOPTER will be on display starting today at booth 401 at the May 4-7 AUVSI trade show in Atlanta.

ATLANTA--Singaporean company Horizon Unmanned Systems (HUS) unveils HYCOPTER, the worlds first hydrogen fuel cell powered multi-rotor UAV. HYCOPTER is being readied for a record flight endurance of 4 hours, or around 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, HYCOPTERs ultra-light fuel cell turns the hydrogen in its frame into electricity to power its rotors.

With HUS breakthrough technology, todays 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.

HYCOPTERs special fuel cell was designed by sister company Horizon Energy Systems (HES), which recently announced a new 700Wh/kg solid hydrogen storage system. Newly formed Horizon Unmanned Systems brings together years of knowledge in energy storage optimization, composites, as well as a new breed of autonomous navigation technologies, to show the way forward on innovation in mini-electric UAVs.

"By removing the design silos that typically separate the energy storage component from UAV frame development - we opened up a whole new category in the drone market, in-between battery and combustion engine systems," said CEO Taras Wankewycz. "HYCOPTER is the first result of our efforts and we intend to demonstrate many more platform innovations in the coming months."

HYCOPTER will be on display starting today at booth 401 at the May 4-7 AUVSI trade show in Atlanta.

About Horizon Unmanned Systems www.hus.sg

Featured Product

Improve productivity and achieve consistent, high-quality welds with mechanized welding solutions.

Improve productivity and achieve consistent, high-quality welds with mechanized welding solutions.

We have the right welding system for every application. Our solutions are the ultimate in precision and efficiency, meeting the full scope of requirements for quality and reliability in tank, vessel, and pipeline construction in particular. We also offer custom solutions that stand up to any challenge. Working with our mechanized circumferential welding systems, you can weld components of very different sizes and weight classes-thanks to systems ranging from compact welding cells for smaller components through to robust systems for heavy workpieces. Cutting-edge technology and premium materials deliver top results, making our welding systems incredibly versatile, simple to use, and easy to maintain. Even welds, high process stability, and less rework are just a few of the advantages-and you can benefit too.