Staying airborne for more than an hour or two might seem like a huge leap for battery-powered electric aircraft. Inspired designers like Eric Raymond have been able to use solar cells to extend their flights to near-perpetual states. A large craft like Solar Impulse 2 remains in flight for up to five successive days and nights only through careful energy management and flight planning. Researchers are looking at hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to batteries, with the hopes of achieving greater endurance. One company, EnergyOr, has developed two still small fuel cells to power their rotary- and fixed-wing drones, setting several records in the process. With payloads and maximum takeoff weights that enable carrying a 4K camera or large hydrogen tanks for long range flights, EnergyOr’s aircraft have demonstrated their abilities. The small experimental fuel cell described in our last entry is good news for small-scale drones – until the researchers scale things up to suit larger applications. Their …
