ION Tiger Fuel Cell Powered UAV
Writing by Evan Ackerman on Tuesday, 7 of April , 2009 at 5:21 am
Despite their many advantages, fuel cells (which are powered by hydrogen) may not yet be ready for mainstream consumption, due (among other things) to the noticeable lack of a hydrogen distribution system. But if you’re the navy, who cares? The ION Tiger UAV is powered by a 500 watt fuel cell generator, which besides being good for the environment (which as we all know is the primary focus of our armed forces) has a high power density in a small package and is practically silent. It also doesn’t produce a lot of heat, meaning that the ION Tiger doesn’t show up as readily on infrared. This spring, the ION Tiger is slated to make a 24 hour endurance flight with a 5 pound payload, something that “nobody can do right now.” I’m not exactly sure what ONR means when they say that no other UAVs have that capability, since Global Hawks are able to stay aloft for up to 30 hours. ‘Course, they cost like $35 million, too.
Anyway, ONR wants to take this technology and do what they always do: make it smaller, cheaper, and more powerful. Will we see any of this technology trickle down into something that would be able to power something I can use? Maybe, maybe… Unless private industry beats ONR to the punch.
[ ONR ION Tiger ]
Comments (1)
Category: Eco-Friendly, Military
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Comment by NS Rana
Made Tuesday, 7 of July , 2009 at 9:56 pm
It is just great !!!
Why the Landing gear is not provissioned ?
How the designers will always make sure that the prop will not touch the ground ?
Comment by ralph
Made Thursday, 28 of January , 2010 at 11:51 am
Fuel cell technology is moving ahead and will get cheaper for the rest of us.
Comment by Lindsay
Made Monday, 8 of February , 2010 at 8:09 am
Wow 500w is only a little bit bigger than the power draw of an electric bicycle. How long can one fly and is there an upscale larger one planned?