MMC has introduced the next generation of its hydrogen technology-powered multirotor drone at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2017) in Abu Dhabi. The HyDrone 1800 has been developed specifically for military applications.
The carbon-fiber HyDrone 1800 has been designed for use in the toughest conditions and is wind-resistant, rain-resistant, cold-resistant and lightweight. The HyDrone 1800’s hydrogen fuel cell technology provides a flight endurance of 4 hours, or over 50 hours when combined with MMC tethered technology. The endurance of the hydrogen drone changes the scope of applications dramatically: most military or industrial drones currently on the market are limited by flight times of under 1 hour. HyDrone 1800 achieves the extended flight time while maintaining altitude limits of 4500 meters and a payload capacity of up to 5kg.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an environmentally friendly solution towards a drone industry bottleneck: flight endurance. Constructed for safety and durability, an auxiliary lithium battery starts the fuel cell and provides a backup source of power for the drone. The properties of hydrogen fuel not only allow for extended flight time, but extend the ideal temperature range for operation. Hydrogen drones can be flown in extreme temperatures – from -10 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.
“This technology is the next step forward for military grade drones,” said MMC’s founder Lu Zhi Hui. “It’s safe, it’s effective, it’s proven – and the endurance is unmatched by other power sources.”
Payloads can be changed quickly and easily, and operators can choose from payloads including a thermal imaging camera, low light camera, laser equipment, or zoom camera, making the system ideal for many military applications. HyDrone 1800 can be used for intelligence gathering, border patrol, aerial fire support, laser designation, or battle management services to tactical military operators. MMC also offers packaged solutions in target acquisition and reconnaissance technology (ISTAR).
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