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: Few are aware but globally, aviation is not only the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, it accounts for approximately 4 to 9% of the climate change impact of human activity. With rising fuel costs and concerns about climate change, the aerospace industry is keen to find ways to cut energy bills and emissions tied to global warming. Good news is that hydrogen fuel cells are helping the aviation industry take concrete steps towards a cleaner and more energy-efficient flying.

Fuel cell technology is no longer just about hype; it is increasingly becoming a market reality. In recent months, hydrogen fuel cells have been tested successfully in small-size unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thereby opening new opportunities for this zero emissions technology in general aviation. Engineers from US airplane maker Boeing have successfully developed and flown a manned airplane powered by hydrogen and fuel cells—a step towards cleaner flying.

Recently, Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies showcased to the Indian defence establishment its next-generation fuel cell power system called Aeropak. The system claims to increase the flight endurance of small and stealthy electric unmanned UAVs by as much as 300% with superior propulsion power.

According to company officials, fuel cells offer significant savings of loads, in weight and volume, compared to conventional power sources. Such systems can also realise the full potential of military platforms, such as tactical robots, that are constrained by the limitations of conventional batteries. However, UAVs are one of the most demanding applications for fuel cell power technologies due to the constraints of size, weight and aerodynamics.

According to Taras Wankwycz, vice-president, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, Aeropak provides electricity without combustion, thereby making it a zero emissions flight. “The fuel cell technological advancements will bring significant enhancements to India's UAVs, making them more effective in persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, a main focus area for leading defence and security organisations around the world,” he adds.