Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a developer of military and commercial aerospace and defence systems, has equipped its Bird Eye 650 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with Aeropak fuel cell system developed by Horizon Energy Systems (HES).
The Aeropak, a hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, which marks the culmination of years of R&D development by HES in Singapore, uses portable and hot-swappable chemical fuel cartridges to provide electric propulsion, extending the flight durations of mini UAS.
The Aeropak fuel cell system is expected to help IAI’s mini-UAS achieve 6 hour flights without increasing take-off weight.
Further, the new fuel cell system will allow mini-UAS to undertake missions such as persistent surveillance, reconnaissance (ISTAR), patrol and convoys escort, and other tasks by eliminating the limitations of the lithium battery power source.
HES managing director Gareth Tang said that Aeropak is a game-changing propulsion power system that reduces the number of take-offs, while simultaneously expanding mission radius and operation coverage, reducing casualty, and easing logistical burden and cost.
“We are proud to collaborate with IAI and contribute to improving the performance of the Bird Eye 650,” Tang said.