DTN News: Singaporean AEROPAK Fuel Cell Boosts Capabilities Of Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft

DTN News: Singaporean AEROPAK Fuel Cell Boosts Capabilities Of Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - June 4, 2009: AEROPAK, a next-generation fuel cell power system recently developed by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies will increase the flight endurance of small and stealthy electric unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by as much as 300 percent. The fuel cell technological advancements will bring significant enhancements to UAS, making them more effective in persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, a main focus area for leading defense and security organizations around the world.Based in Singapore, Horizon’s advanced research laboratories have developed unique capabilities in creating lightweight, compact fuel cell energy systems able to extend the flight durations or flight distances of electric aircraft. Starting with small systems, the team began demonstrating its aerospace-grade fuel cell capabilities on small model-scale aircraft. What started as an experiment turned into the development of the world’s highest capacity electric power packs for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Horizon’s unique capability has started evaluation tests with several high-profile market participants and research organizations, and is now preparing for large-scale commercialization of its high performance fuel cell power systems. The AEROPAK is a next-generation fuel cell power system that increases the flight endurance of smaller and stealthier electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) by as much as 300%, making them more effective in persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, a main focus area for leading defense and security organizations around the world.Designed for high-impact and able to operate at up to 22,000 feet (6700m), the complete system integrates Horizon’s record-setting fuel cell technology with refillable dry-fuel cartridges. Providing 900Wh of usable electrical energy at just 2kg (4.4lbs), the AEROPAK enables up to four times the flight endurance of advanced lithium batteries currently in use, opening new mission possibilities not previously possible for smaller UAS. The miniaturized power system can be used as a drop-in replacement for battery packs currently in service, eliminating costly airframe modifications. According to G2 solutions, a Seattle-based market research firm specializing in Aerospace/Defense, "The use of pervasive UAS is increasing because the persistent ISR capabilities they bring are unmatched." Electric-powered UAS bring important capabilities - reduced acoustic signature, smaller size - and offer real advantages - lower acquisition cost, fuel savings - to ISR operations. Where battery performance limits the effective use of these promising systems, the AEROPAK next-generation fuel cell power systems will improve versatility and open new mission possibilities for smaller electric UAS. In addition to increasing flight endurance, the new fuel cell system also makes it possible for small tactical UAS to integrate more power-hungry electronic devices such as electro-optical sensors, infrared cameras and laser designators. The new fuel cell systems can also be used to power remote ground systems and recharging stations, or even serve as an auxiliary electric power supply for larger systems. Horizon's AEROPAK is the first of a series of commercially available fuel cell systems that can be customized to fit a variety of platforms and scaled up to provide as much as several kilowatts of power, making it suitable for all sizes and configurations of electric powered UAS. Over the next 10 years, industry analysts expect the acquisition market for UAS to exceed $44 billion in the U.S. alone. According to Ron Stearns of G2 solutions, "Fuel cells have the potential to improve the Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) configuration for tactical UAS propulsion, leading to increased UAS endurance or expanded sensor and/or communications-relay capabilities." Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has been demonstrating its unique capabilities with a series of pioneering flights, which included "Hyfish," a 1kW fuel cell powered jet-wing UAS integrated by the German Air & Space Agency (DLR) and the "Pterosoar," which set a new FAI world record for distance in 2007 with the support of NASA. The new AEROPAK will be displayed at the 2009 Paris Air Show (booth B075) alongside several UAS airframes powered by Horizon's fuel cell power systems. Headquartered in Singapore, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies develops and manufactures high performance lightweight and compact fuel cell systems used in aerospace, as well as a global marketer and developer of several award-winning consumer and industrial fuel cell products now commercial in a number of early markets.