Longest micro-UAV flight-world record set by Pterosoar

[Nov1] SINGAPORE--The Pterosoar UAV, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell flew 128km (69nm) in California and set a new distance record for micro-UAVs, exceeding previous distance record by 50%.
   The propeller-powered Pterosoar is a joint effort between California State University of Los Angeles and Oklahoma State University (OSU).

   The propulsion system is supplied by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies of Singapore .
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   Horizon says the flight used only 25% of the hydrogen stored on board, and the UAV's range with a full pressurised tank is 500km.

    The Pterosoar is expected to make a flight exceeding 15.5h within the next few weeks, the company says, setting a new endurance record for small UAVs.

    Designed by OSU's Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, the Pterosoar weighs 5kg (10.2lb) including hydrogen and fuel cells.

    Horizon says its fuel-cell energy density of 480Wh/kg, 2.6 times that of the best available batteries, allows 80% of total power system volume to be used for pressurised hydrogen storage.

   In April a Horizon fuel cell powered the Hyfish jet-wing UAV to 200km/h (108kt). The Hyfish was designed by Swiss company Smartfish and developed a consortium led by German aerospace centre DLR . Video of that flight is available here .

   Ultimately Horizon plans to use "hydrogen battery" technology under development by Millenium Cell .

   The company's Hydrogen on Demand fuel cartridges use sodium borohydride as the hydrogen storage medium, and will reduce the size of the power system, says Horizon.



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