Israel Aerospace Industries Applies Horizon Fuel Cell in Unmanned Aerial System
23 August 2010
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has integrated Horizon Energy’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 6 hour flights, a more than two-fold improvement compared to flights powered by lithium batteries.
The AEROPAK is a hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system developed by Singaporean company Horizon Energy Systems (HES). 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, Horizon says.
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. The AEROPAK 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.
—Gareth Tang, Managing Director of HES
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