When it comes to long-range, autonomous, beyond-line-of-sight UAS operations, Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) has entered into agreements with Iris Automation and Drone America to pursue Doosan hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Commercial BVLOS aircraft platforms and infrastructure will be tested and evaluated by the companies in conjunction with the integration of technologies and the sharing of operational resources.
Attendance at CES 2022 will be held in Las Vegas. Doosan will have a booth #5318 where attendees can meet with company reps.
Doosan’s Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to sustainably expand BVLOS drone operations for commercial and public flight operations due to its higher energy density than traditional lithium batteries and its zero-emissions profile. Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) currently use lithium batteries and fossil fuel-powered propulsion systems. The current generation of battery-powered systems does not emit any greenhouse gases, but they have a limited operating range and capacity. Carbon emissions and high noise levels are trade-offs for the increased range provided by fossil fuel-powered propulsion systems.
Research and testing by DMI shows that its hydrogen fuel cells for UAS can outperform traditional batteries with an energy density up to four times the standard. There are many ways to produce hydrogen using 100% renewable energy, and when the fuel cell generates electricity, it produces only water vapor.
Iris Automation and Drone America hope to show how their combined flight experience, technology, and expertise can help shape the future of commercial BVLOS operations. Doosan Mobility Innovation, Iris Automation.
To meet the growing demand for fuel cells in drones, Doosan has been manufacturing fuel cell technology since 2014.
“The potential of hydrogen fuel cell drone technology that delivers the endurance and performance necessary to enable autonomous UAV flight, without carbon emissions, is huge. This partnership is an excellent way to jumpstart the progress we can make by collaborating with two pioneers at the forefront of real-world UAV innovation to actually start BVLOS services.” Soonsuk (Fran) Roh, manager of Americas and Oceania business development at Doosan Mobility Innovation
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using Iris Automation’s Casia can see and react to the surrounding aviation environment in real time, enabling BVLOS UAVs to have real time airspace awareness during flight operations.
“Getting to higher density, zero-emissions fuel is an important breakthrough for long-range drone operations. As part of the overall drive to scale, it makes commercial operations increasingly viable and cost-effective. Given Doosan and Drone America’s leadership in this space and very practical roles in enabling drone operations, we’re excited to collaborate.” Lori DeMatteis, vice president of sales and marketing at Iris Automation
Drone America specializes in the design and manufacture of unmanned aircraft systems, while also providing commercial flight services for first responders, critical delivery, and infrastructure survey and inspection. Doosan fuel cell systems and Iris Casia for real-time airspace awareness are at the heart of Drone America’s plans for a fleet of certified aircraft weighing more than 55 pounds.
“Shaping the future of commercial BVLOS is not always about one person, but about the team that makes everything happen. From design, engineering, and production to flight services, certification and training, everyone here represents the very best at what they do and a team that Drone America is proud to be a part of.” Mike Richards, Drone America President and CEO.
