PARIS—Aircraft hydrogen fuel cell specialist H3 Dynamics is teaming with autonomous aircraft company XSun to develop what they describe as the world’s first solar-hydrogen-electric uncrewed aircraft system (UAS).
Based on XSun’s SolarXone, the aircraft will be powered by a three-part “tribrid” propulsion system incorporating solar, hydrogen and battery power. A small 1-kW fuel cell based on H3 Dynamics’ Aerocell product line will provide cruise power, while batteries will be used for takeoff. Solar photovoltaic cells embedded in the wings will supply power to the overall propulsion system.
XSun’s solar-electric UAS will generate up to 400 watts from its solar wings, enabling an electric flight endurance of up to 12 hr. and a range of 600 km (373 mi.). H3 Dynamics CEO Taras Wankewycz says, “harnessing solar power on the aircraft can add new fuel efficiencies to a hybrid-electric fuel cell system, leading to increased flight durations while saving space and weight.”
Commenting to Aviation Week at the Paris Air Show, Wankewycz adds that SolarXone test flights with the tribrid propulsion system “are due to begin in October in France.”
H3 Dynamics is meanwhile building up production capability for certified hydrogen-electric power systems at its Toulouse facility in France by the end of 2025. “It is in the process of being set up still, and we will have it up and running within three to four months from now,” Wakewycz says.
As well as XSun, H3 Dynamics is already working with manufacturers Airbus, Pipistrel, Lyte Aviation, Sea Cheetah and Qdot Technology. The Aerocell product line now includes 1-, 50-, 150-, 200- and 400-kW systems to address auxiliary power or propulsion on aircraft ranging from uncrewed systems to electric air taxis, light business jets and 50-100-seat regional aircraft.
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