South Korean-based Hylium will combine its liquid hydrogen storage and liquification solutions with H3 Dynamics hydrogen-electric propulsion nacelles, ultra-light fuel cells and its new hydrogen drone refuelling station, H2FIELD.

Shifting to liquid hydrogen will represent an increase in capability for small electric-powered unmanned systems (UAV), due to cryogenic tanks storing three time more energy as compressed gas according to the company.

The company says a 25kg UAV will be able to fly over 900km with a single liquid hydrogen fill, reduced to 400km with pressurised hydrogen, although still three times more than a battery powered equivalent.

Taras Wankewycz, CEO at H3 Dynamics, said, “When combined, our global best-in-class solutions achieve the global performance limit for low-altitude electric powered flight.”

The partnership will also see developments to H3 Dynamics recently announced hydrogen refuelling station, H2FIELD, upgrading the station so that it can fill liquid hydrogen tanks.

H2FIELD is suitable for long-range drones and UAVs, capable of producing hydrogen in the field to refuel UAVs of all shapes, sizes and configurations.

Read more: H3 Dynamics unveils mobile hydrogen production and refuelling station

South Korea is leading the development for liquid hydrogen standardisation, with Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a US firm to support the development of onshore large-scale liquid hydrogen storage.

The MoU hopes to provide framework for the development of new liquid hydrogen storage technology to support South Korea’s plans of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Read more: MoU looks to develop large-scale liquid hydrogen storage in South Korea

H3 Dynamics and Hylium’s technology are being integrated to attempt a 3,300km crossing of the South Atlantic, in a program led by ISAE SUPAERO Toulouse.