HES Energy systems has unveiled the HYCOPTER, a robust multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tailored for extensive industrial maintenance inspections.
One of the important challenges in drone technology is overcoming limited flight times. HES has established a strong reputation for developing ultra-light and compact fuel cell systems,which can weigh up to five times less than customary lithium batteries. Building on a world distance record achieved over a decade ago by a NASA-supported team from OSU, HES has continually advanced its energy storage capabilities, collaborating from Singapore with various UAV initiatives and top aerospace organizations globally.
Currently, HES boasts a system-level specific energy exceeding 700Wh/kg and is striving to enhance this figure further through innovative technologies. After years of research and progress, HES has integrated its foundational technologies with a uniquely modified multi-rotor design, enabling flight times to reach 3.5 hours—considerably longer than the standard 20-30 minutes offered by lithium batteries.
This new hydrogen-powered multi-rotor system will allow precision cameras and other sensors to remain airborne for extended periods, unlocking new commercial opportunities while lowering operational expenses for service providers. The HYCOPTER is being developed in Austin, texas, where a local manufacturing facility is being established.
At the heart of HYCOPTER is a groundbreaking 140g pressure regulator that efficiently reduces hydrogen pressure from 350 bar to 0.5 bar. Additionally, the system features specially engineered HES fuel cell stacks that can produce over 1 watt per gram.
HYCOPTER can be recharged in mere minutes using industrial-grade hydrogen sourced from local suppliers. With ongoing enhancements, platforms like HYCOPTER could facilitate product deliveries over significantly greater distances than currently achievable. Future plans include deploying long-range cargo drones from autonomous hydrogen “droneports.”
Upcoming iterations of HYCOPTER will focus on transitional wing VTOL applications, and the same HES core technology is being scaled to support manned electric aviation and other aerial mobility solutions in collaboration with various international aerospace firms.
In the USA, UAV Propulsion Tech serves as the authorized distributor for HES Energy Systems’ products.
