Ultra Electronics has confirmed providing a new fuel cell that quadrupled the range of a conventionally-powered Lockheed Martin Stalker unmanned air system (UAS).
The UAS Power Pod is aimed at dramatically increasing the endurance of any UAS in the class below the 18kg (39.7lb) Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle.
The 2.6kg power system generated 245W on board the Stalker during a demonstration flight in May, and Lockheed hopes to eventually achieve 24h endurance with the fuel-cell powered, hand-launched UAS.
The fuel cell combines propane and a solid oxider to generate an energy density of 1,200Wh/kg - four times the density offered by lithium-polymer batteries, Ultra said.
The Power Pod is now being prepared to enter field trials to make it ready for production.
The fuel cell technology was developed by Adaptive Materials, which was acquired earlier this year by Ultra.
Source: Flight International
