Plug Power and HevenDrones partner for heavy lift drones
This deal is part of Plug Power measures to grow its aerospace fuel cell system capabilities, in line with its vertical integration strategy.
HevenDrones (an Israeli drone technology provider) has signed a bilateral alliance with Plug Power to develop hydrogen fuel cell systems for heavy lift drones to provide extended time and range capabilities.
Both partners plan to cooperate on commercialising hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-lift actionable drones and related support equipment and infrastructure. They plan to provide an integrated solution to power and refuel HevenDrones’ next-generation fleet with the key objective of providing extended flight times and range.
The aim is to develop hydrogen-powered drones of varying sizes capable of lifting heavy weights and flying for extended periods. HevenDrones’ stabilising technology provides the capability to lift and move heavy and unbalanced and kinetic loads with applications across various industries and markets.
This deal is part of Plug Power’s strategy to deploy its hydrogen ProGen fuel cell technology to new markets through engaging leaders in industries such as commercial aviation, aerospace, and now drones. The joint alliance is an important milestone for HevenDrones, which will strengthen the capabilities of its proprietary heavy-lift actionable drone systems and open new markets and applications for its fleet of drones.
They will also endure additional scopes of work to provide an entire hydrogen ecosystem, including hydrogen supply, infrastructure, fuelling and refuelling for drone applications.
HevenDrones designs its own proprietary operating systems and works with the Israeli Ministry of Defense for developing a customised fleet of hydrogen-fueled drones. It works with DDR&D, a specialised unit in the Ministry of Defence responsible for researching and developing advanced technologies.
Keith Schmid, a BU manager at Plug Power, said, “The combination of our leading fuel cell technology and related hydrogen infrastructure together with the impressive drone technologies being developed by HevenDrones creates exciting potential in this high growth industry.”
Thomas Jones, Director of UAV/Aerospace Technology at Plug Power, added, “This is an area where hydrogen can be a game changer. We have been impressed with their capabilities and look forward to working together.”
Bentzion Levinson, CEO of HevenDrones, noted, “We can create a compelling partnership to take drone technology to the next level.”
