Chinese Hydrogen-Powered Drone Sets Record with 30-Hour Non-Stop Flight
Key Ideas
- An independently-developed Chinese hydrogen-powered drone completes a 30-hour non-stop flight, setting a new record in the country.
- The drone, jointly developed by AVIC and Tsinghua University, showcased breakthrough integrated design and propulsion using hydrogen cells.
- The successful demonstration of take-off from a moving car and remote monitoring capabilities highlight the potential of hydrogen drones in green aviation.
- This achievement marks a significant advancement in the development and application of hydrogen technology in the aviation industry.
An independently-developed Chinese hydrogen-powered drone has made headlines by completing a remarkable 30-hour non-stop flight, setting a new record for such aircraft in the country. Developed by AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. and Tsinghua University, the 50 kg-class hydrogen drone demonstrated breakthroughs in integrated flight design and propulsion based on hydrogen cell output characteristics. The successful flight took place in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, using an innovative take-off system mounted on an unmanned car. The drone showcased its remote monitoring capabilities during the flight, indicating potential applications in green aviation. This milestone not only highlights the technical capabilities of hydrogen drones but also underscores the growing importance of green energy solutions in the aviation sector. The successful flight paves the way for further advancements in hydrogen technology within the aviation industry.