Freewing Aerial Robotics and DCH Technology of the USA have launched an exploratory development programme to integrate DCH Technology's hydrogen fuel cells into the Freewing Scorpion Tilt-Body Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV).
The multiphase project will begin with substitution of existing lead-acid batteries needed to operate sensor payloads. The research could lead to the possible replacement of the Scorpion's 40kW (53hp) gasoline-burning Rotax engine with a hydrogen fuel fed powerplant. Hydrogen is used to fuel the Space Shuttle and has been demonstrated as an effective energy source for fuel cells in cars and powerplants, says DCH Technology, which is based in Valencia, California.
Carrying a 27kg payload, the Burt Rutan-designed Scorpion can fly 50km (90nm)and loiter for 4h. Freewing officials believe the fuel cell integration will give the Scorpion longer endurance and higher mission flexibility.
A year ago, NASA awarded Freewing a contract to develop an advanced, low cost, highly modular UAV system capable of supporting numerous NASA missions. The company, based in College Station, Texas, is using the Scorpion to develop a highly stable remote sensing UAV system for the US space agency.
Meanwhile, a Matra Defense command and control system has been integrated with the UAV for demonstration to the French navy in the near future. The demonstration will be followed by a more extensive flight test of the Marvel drone system.
Source: Flight International
