Ion Tiger UAV Sets Fuel Cell Flight Endurance Record
Navy Small, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Soars for 23 Hours
The 23+ hour duration of the Ion Tiger flight far surpasses the longest previous small UAV flight achieved using any technology. By incorporating the Protonex power system, the Ion Tiger was able to demonstrate seven times the endurance capability of advanced batteries. The Protonex UAV system that was used in the Ion Tiger demonstration is a high performance, ultralight proton exchange membrane [PEM] fuel cell system, coupling stack technology that can achieve 1,000 watts per kilogram with advanced balance of plant components. PEM fuel cells use nanomaterials in the membrane electrode assembly to improve catalytic reactions and increase durability.
With the successful completion of this major milestone, Protonex is planning to continue transitioning this advanced power source into small UAV products with specific payloads and mission requirements for both military and commercial applications. The endurance capabilities proven in this program were previously achievable only with larger scale, more costly UAVs. Protonex is now confident that new critical missions can be achieved by smaller, more cost-effective UAV platforms that incorporate its advanced power systems.
Published by Alton Parrish
Alton Parrish is a senior Analyst for Innovative Research and Products and maintains a blog on nanotechnology at http://nanopatentsandinnovations.blogspot.com/ View profile
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- The 23+ hour duration of the Ion Tiger flight far surpasses the longest previous small UAV flight
- Protonex fuel cell power output is1,000 watts per kilogram
- Fuel cell UAV demonstrated seven times the endurance capability of advanced batteries