A new uncrewed cargo VTOL aircraft being developed by UK start-up Qdot Technology is to be powered by a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system developed by H3 Dynamics. On September 18, the companies announced a partnership they said would extend the range of the autonomous aircraft up to 600 kilometers (326 nm), or 250 kilometers with a 200-kilogram (440 pound) payload.
Qdot, which is a spin-off venture from Oxford University’s Thermofluids Institute, is seeking to advance new thermal management technology for aircraft propulsion systems. It believes the technology could be scaled up to support multiple other uncrewed missions, including middle-mile logistics, medical transportation, and search and rescue. In the longer term, the company sees scope for developing larger crewed eVTOL aircraft and light business jets.
Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics will adapt its fuel cell system to be combined in a hybrid architecture with Qdot’s combination of batteries and lightweight heat exchangers. The companies said they will combine these systems with a new multi-pitch propeller design.
Qdot has not published a detailed timeline for certifying and bringing the unnamed aircraft into commercial service. The company's website includes an invitation for prospective operators to become involved in beta testing demonstrator models in 2025.
“Our hybrid powertrain strategy enables uncrewed aircraft to meet the necessary range and payload capacity, paving the way for new applications,” said Qdot’s CEO Jack Nicholas. “H3 Dynamics is supporting Qdot Technology by providing hydrogen-electric solutions designed to aerospace standards to ensure qualification and validation by aviation authorities.”
Further Applications For H3's Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The European Union-backed Hypotrade project, led by Honeywell and electric aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel, has selected H3 Dynamics’s fuel cells for its planned 500-kilowatt technology demonstrator powertrain. The group aims to start ground tests in 2026, and then flight tests in 2030 using a 19-seat Miniliner aircraft being developed by Pipistrel, which is part of Textron’s eAviation division.
In May, Airbus took delivery of an auxiliary power unit (APUs) adapted by H3 Dynamics to run on a 500-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell. The European aerospace group is evaluating the equipment in a demonstrator unit as part of a plan to replace conventional APUs on airliners.
In July, Lyte Aviation announced it has selected H3 Dynamics to provide hydrogen fuel cells for its planned 40-passenger Skybus LA-44 VTOL aircraft. The companies also said they will collaborate to install H3 Dynamics’ self-contained electrolyzer systems at airports.