Clever Power and Aurora Flight Sciences push the bounds of UAS flight vary – sUAS Information – The Enterprise of Drones

• Clever Power gasoline cells lengthen flight instances in new uncrewed plane system from Aurora Flight Sciences
• Take a look at flight outcomes present glimpse into way forward for UAS
• Gas cells permit for elevated vary with UAS solely weighing 54 kilos

Loughborough – Clever Power (IE) is delighted to collaborate with Aurora Flight Sciences to assist energy the subsequent technology of Aurora uncrewed plane techniques by way of the usage of gasoline cell expertise. 

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Firm, not too long ago examined its fuel-cell-powered SKIRON-XLE, a brand new addition to its SKIRON Expeditionary small uncrewed plane system (UAS) product line. The brand new craft has been designed for long-range reconnaissance for purchasers together with the US navy. 

Clever Power’s product portfolio options gasoline cell expertise aimed significantly at this market and bespoke to the stringent necessities wanted to ship dependable, long-range flight. The Clever Power gasoline cell-powered SKIRON-XLE weighs simply 54 kilos and is definitely transported in a regular truck or SUV and deployed by a two-person crew.

By permitting for extra power to be added to a UAS with no concurrent enhance in weight which might include typical battery packs, Clever Power gasoline cells permit  the SKIRON-XLE to increase flight instances to nicely over 5 hours, essential for long-range reconnaissance. 

The SKIRON product line combines the comfort of vertical take-off and touchdown (VTOL) with the longer endurance of a fixed-wing design. 

Andy Kelly, Head of Product at Clever Power, stated: 

“Aurora Flight Sciences is an organization on the forefront of uncrewed plane expertise and we’re proud to see our gasoline cells taking the vary and functionality of this expertise to new ranges. This represents yet one more software of Clever Power expertise into the sphere of sustainable, long-range flight. 

“We look ahead to persevering with to assist the crew at Aurora Flight Sciences as they roll this new product out and to seeing the flight instances achieved deployed in additional settings together with civilian and industrial.” 

Jason Grzywna, Senior Director of Merchandise at Aurora Flight Sciences stated: 

“Aurora is happy to advance the way forward for flight with the mixing of Clever Power gasoline cells into our SKIRON platform. The fuel-cell-powered variant can ship most vary and endurance for purchasers with essentially the most demanding wants, enabling lengthy vary reconnaissance missions whereas additionally offering extra sustainable small plane operations.”