Development of hydrogen-fuel technology for cargo drones - Dronamics and Cranfield Aerospace

Dronamics and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions will be combining their expertise to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell technology into the Black Swan, the long-range cargo drone. Brought together by their mutual belief that hydrogen fuel-cell technology can open up the possibility of zero-emissions aviation, the two aerospace innovators will be working together to bring to market a viable, sustainable solution for cargo delivery services.

The collaboration will focus on integrating the hydrogen fuel-cell technology CAeS is developing into the Black Swan, the flagship aircraft designed, developed and operated by Dronamics, resulting in a technically and commercially feasible zero-emissions offering. The Black Swan is capable of carrying up to 350 kg at a range of up to 2,500 km and is set to change how the world moves goods, making same-day delivery over long distances affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Konstantin Rangelov, Co-Founder and CTO of Dronamics, commented: “When we set out to develop our drone technology, we had a very clear goal in mind - build the most efficient cargo aircraft to date. Less time, less cost, less emissions. Our partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions will allow us to bring clean, zero-emission aviation technology to more communities and businesses in all corners of the planet, quicker. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we couldn’t be more excited for it. ”

Paul Hutton, CEO of CAeS, said: “This partnership with Dronamics represents a fantastic opportunity for CAeS. Not only will the hydrogen-fuel-cell technology we are currently developing for the 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander change the face of regional aviation, but it will also make a huge impact on the cargo industry. The combined experience and expertise of CAeS and Dronamics is a very exciting prospect.” 

With ICAO’s recently announced collective global goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and COP27 addressing urgent joint action across the world, Dronamics and CAeS firmly believe that the time to tackle those challenges is now, together.