Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Horizon Energy Systems (HES) recently said they have successfully integrated Horizon’s AEROPAK fuel cell as a next-generation power system for IAI’s Bird Eye 650 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).
Without increasing take-off weight, Horizon’s newly launched fuel cell now enables IAI’s mini-UAS to achieve six hour flights, a more than two-fold improvement compared to flights powered by lithium batteries.
“The Bird Eye 650 UAS already offers a high level of operational flexibility with the latest generation autonomous flight and mission capabilities. We put tremendous effort in researching ways to find a power source that can match this impeccable aircraft,” said Alex Grinberg, R&D director of UAS program at IAI MALAT Div. “We have now equipped it with AEROPAK, a state-of-the-art fuel cell system which will clearly make the Bird Eye 650 the best in its class.”
The AEROPAK is a hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system developed by Singaporean company HES. The system provides quiet and reliable electric propulsion, extending the flight durations of mini UAS by several orders of magnitude. Its energy source comes in the form of portable and hot-swappable chemical fuel cartridges.
Prior to the launch of the AEROPAK, extended flight endurance capabilities were restricted to larger, more costly UAS platforms, mainly due to limitations of their battery power source. Now with a smaller, more flexible and cost-effective fuel cell power solution, mini-UAS can undertake sophisticated missions such as persistent surveillance, reconnaissance (ISTAR), patrol and convoys escort, and other special tasks.
“The AEROPAK is a game-changing propulsion power system. The advantages it brings are beyond power, weight and energy, since it impacts on mission operation modes. Our new fuel cell system reduces the number of take-offs while simultaneously expanding mission radius and operation coverage, reducing casualty, and easing logistical burden and cost,” added Gareth Tang, managing director of HES. “We are proud to collaborate with IAI and contribute to improving the performance of the Bird Eye 650.”
The AEROPAK is a culmination of several years of R&D development by HES in Singapore. The company will showcase the fuel cell enabled Bird Eye 650 LE, conduct live demonstrations, and take commercial production orders at the AUVSI in Denver, Colo.