Tag Archives: Hydrogen powered

World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces

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Hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles are not a new concept. Drones running on hydrogen fuel have been in experimental forms for over a decade, but this is for the first time, a drone has been fully designed and deployed on full-scale combat duty in an active war zone.

The drone is a hybrid version of the Raybird USA developed by Skyeton and is deployed with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It is designed for long-endurance and perhaps is, Ukraine’s first attempt at sending a hybrid hydrogen-powered drone into an active battlefield. It has been in the war zone “since December 2025, as part of interagency testing,” Skyeton informs.

Designer: Skyeton

As a hybrid version of the Raybird, the drone is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by hydrogen fuel. The UAV has been reengineered to adequately distribute the space and weight of the hydrogen tank system onboard. Being hybrid, the drone is quieter in comparison to other combustion engine options, thus it makes a great surveillance aircraft.

“We have converted two years of laboratory testing into a new aircraft concept: it is the same class and weight, but a completely redesigned concept based on electric propulsion,” Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton said. “Hydrogen fuel is a solution that allows us to combine all the advantages of an electric motor… with the long-duration continuous flight that is a hallmark of our UAV, he added.

According to Skyeton, the hydrogen-based Raybird is not armed, it instead has radar and sensors in its payload for its identified long-range reconnaissance missions. The drone is created with a wingspan of up to 15 feet, and it has a total payload capacity of 23 kgs. Being a Raybird, the hybrid drone can cruise at over 110 km/h top speed, and the UAV can function in temperatures ranging between -35°C to +55°C. It has a flight endurance of 12 hours for now, which the Skyeton engineers are determined to increase to 20 hours.

According to the company, the hydrogen-powered Raybird on war duty can fly at an altitude of up to 18,000 feet to carry out its surveillance duties. Of course, for now, the drone running on a hydrogen-electric propulsion is being used for long-range reconnaissance missions by Ukraine, but its operational efficiency and environmental benefits suggest it can be useful in a range of other applications: both civilian and defense.

For its usability in different scenarios, Skyeton says it will provide the hydrogen-powered Raybird in two variants. A drone with pre-filled tanks that can be swapped like cartridges. Or paired with a compact mobile unit capable of generating hydrogen on site as required.

The post World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces first appeared on Yanko Design.

World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces

Posted on by

Hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles are not a new concept. Drones running on hydrogen fuel have been in experimental forms for over a decade, but this is for the first time, a drone has been fully designed and deployed on full-scale combat duty in an active war zone.

The drone is a hybrid version of the Raybird USA developed by Skyeton and is deployed with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It is designed for long-endurance and perhaps is, Ukraine’s first attempt at sending a hybrid hydrogen-powered drone into an active battlefield. It has been in the war zone “since December 2025, as part of interagency testing,” Skyeton informs.

Designer: Skyeton

As a hybrid version of the Raybird, the drone is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by hydrogen fuel. The UAV has been reengineered to adequately distribute the space and weight of the hydrogen tank system onboard. Being hybrid, the drone is quieter in comparison to other combustion engine options, thus it makes a great surveillance aircraft.

“We have converted two years of laboratory testing into a new aircraft concept: it is the same class and weight, but a completely redesigned concept based on electric propulsion,” Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton said. “Hydrogen fuel is a solution that allows us to combine all the advantages of an electric motor… with the long-duration continuous flight that is a hallmark of our UAV, he added.

According to Skyeton, the hydrogen-based Raybird is not armed, it instead has radar and sensors in its payload for its identified long-range reconnaissance missions. The drone is created with a wingspan of up to 15 feet, and it has a total payload capacity of 23 kgs. Being a Raybird, the hybrid drone can cruise at over 110 km/h top speed, and the UAV can function in temperatures ranging between -35°C to +55°C. It has a flight endurance of 12 hours for now, which the Skyeton engineers are determined to increase to 20 hours.

According to the company, the hydrogen-powered Raybird on war duty can fly at an altitude of up to 18,000 feet to carry out its surveillance duties. Of course, for now, the drone running on a hydrogen-electric propulsion is being used for long-range reconnaissance missions by Ukraine, but its operational efficiency and environmental benefits suggest it can be useful in a range of other applications: both civilian and defense.

For its usability in different scenarios, Skyeton says it will provide the hydrogen-powered Raybird in two variants. A drone with pre-filled tanks that can be swapped like cartridges. Or paired with a compact mobile unit capable of generating hydrogen on site as required.

The post World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces first appeared on Yanko Design.

World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces

Posted on by

Hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles are not a new concept. Drones running on hydrogen fuel have been in experimental forms for over a decade, but this is for the first time, a drone has been fully designed and deployed on full-scale combat duty in an active war zone.

The drone is a hybrid version of the Raybird USA developed by Skyeton and is deployed with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It is designed for long-endurance and perhaps is, Ukraine’s first attempt at sending a hybrid hydrogen-powered drone into an active battlefield. It has been in the war zone “since December 2025, as part of interagency testing,” Skyeton informs.

Designer: Skyeton

As a hybrid version of the Raybird, the drone is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by hydrogen fuel. The UAV has been reengineered to adequately distribute the space and weight of the hydrogen tank system onboard. Being hybrid, the drone is quieter in comparison to other combustion engine options, thus it makes a great surveillance aircraft.

“We have converted two years of laboratory testing into a new aircraft concept: it is the same class and weight, but a completely redesigned concept based on electric propulsion,” Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton said. “Hydrogen fuel is a solution that allows us to combine all the advantages of an electric motor… with the long-duration continuous flight that is a hallmark of our UAV, he added.

According to Skyeton, the hydrogen-based Raybird is not armed, it instead has radar and sensors in its payload for its identified long-range reconnaissance missions. The drone is created with a wingspan of up to 15 feet, and it has a total payload capacity of 23 kgs. Being a Raybird, the hybrid drone can cruise at over 110 km/h top speed, and the UAV can function in temperatures ranging between -35°C to +55°C. It has a flight endurance of 12 hours for now, which the Skyeton engineers are determined to increase to 20 hours.

According to the company, the hydrogen-powered Raybird on war duty can fly at an altitude of up to 18,000 feet to carry out its surveillance duties. Of course, for now, the drone running on a hydrogen-electric propulsion is being used for long-range reconnaissance missions by Ukraine, but its operational efficiency and environmental benefits suggest it can be useful in a range of other applications: both civilian and defense.

For its usability in different scenarios, Skyeton says it will provide the hydrogen-powered Raybird in two variants. A drone with pre-filled tanks that can be swapped like cartridges. Or paired with a compact mobile unit capable of generating hydrogen on site as required.

The post World’s first hydrogen-powered surveillance drone enters combat duty with Ukrainian Defense Forces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Toyota’s New Hydrogen Cartridges Could Make EV Charging Obsolete

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Toyota is transforming the way we think about energy. No longer just focused on automobiles, the company is exploring new avenues to make hydrogen a mainstream energy source for a wide range of uses. This October, at Japan Mobility Bizweek, Toyota will unveil its portable hydrogen cartridges for the first time. These cartridges have been designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. With a sleek cylindrical form reminiscent of oversized AA batteries, the design prioritizes portability and ease of use. The clean, minimalistic lines and ergonomic handles ensure the cartridges are easy to carry and seamlessly integrated into various environments, from automotive applications to home use. Toyota will unveil its portable hydrogen cartridges, showcasing them for the first time between October 15th and 18th. These cartridges are set to revolutionize hydrogen energy by providing a swappable and portable power solution for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Designer: Toyota

Image: Toyota

Initially developed by Woven, Toyota’s mobility technology subsidiary, these cartridges have evolved significantly since their first prototype in 2022. Today, they are lighter, more compact, and convenient to transport—qualities honed through Toyota’s extensive experience refining hydrogen storage for its fuel cell vehicles. Imagine a hydrogen cartridge that can be carried effortlessly, powering your car and a range of other devices in your daily life.

Image: Toyota

Toyota’s vision goes far past the traditional confines of electric vehicles that rely on charging infrastructure or hydrogen-powered vehicles dependent on refueling stations. Instead, this approach focuses on versatility and convenience. When your FCEV needs power, you can swap in a fresh hydrogen cartridge—eliminating the waiting time of conventional charging. Outside the automotive world, these cartridges could also power home appliances, providing energy for cooking or serving as a backup during emergencies. Toyota’s collaboration with Rinnai Corporation to develop a hydrogen-powered stove highlights how these cartridges could transform everyday energy usage.

Image: Toyota, swappable and portable power solution for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Like household goods, Toyota envisions a whole hydrogen ecosystem where cartridges can be delivered, swapped, and reused. The convenience of exchanging empty cartridges for filled ones eliminates the need for an extensive hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, making it possible to enjoy clean energy with minimal grid dependence. Moreover, these cartridges could harness hydrogen from renewable energy sources like wind and solar, integrating clean power into everyday use and advancing Toyota’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions.

Image: Toyota

These cartridges could power off-grid locations, serve as emergency energy backups, or even be used in portable cooking appliances. Toyota is also demonstrating a hydrogen-powered stove, showcasing another practical application for these hydrogen packs. During emergencies, a hydrogen cartridge can be removed from the vehicle and used to power various devices, providing critical energy when it’s needed most.

Toyota’s broader vision for sustainability also includes other cutting-edge initiatives that will be presented at Japan Mobility Bizweek. The Liquid Hydrogen-Powered GR Corolla, which has been competing in endurance races since 2023, demonstrates the performance capabilities of hydrogen fuel in motorsports. Another significant showcase is the Sweep Energy Storage System, which repurposes old batteries from electric vehicles to stabilize renewable energy supplies by coupling them with wind and solar power systems. These projects highlight Toyota’s effort to build a sustainable energy ecosystem, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

Image: Toyota

With electric vehicle adoption not accelerating as quickly as many automakers hoped, hydrogen technology is being reconsidered as a viable alternative, and Toyota is not alone. Automakers like Hyundai, BMW, and Honda are also investing in hydrogen, recognizing its potential as a clean, adaptable fuel source. Toyota’s vision for portable hydrogen cartridges could be the solution that moves hydrogen from concept to reality, offering a tangible, everyday energy solution—powering everything from cars to kitchens.

Image: Toyota

The post Toyota’s New Hydrogen Cartridges Could Make EV Charging Obsolete first appeared on Yanko Design.

MIT researchers developing open source hydrogen powered motorcycle for other developers to improve on

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Electric battery-powered vehicles might seem the future but in the long run, they are harmful to the environment in their wicked way. The next best thing is the hydrogen-powered drivetrain and many automotive manufacturers are already exploring the possibility. Sure, the cost of such vehicles is not practical enough to go mainstream, still, constant innovations in technology are getting things closer to fruition.

MIT’s electric vehicle team is also exploring the possibility with their hydrogen-powered electric motorcycle prototype. The two-wheeler uses a new hydrogen-based testbed and is open source for other proactive automotive developers to test out as the files are available online. Led by Aditya Mehrotra, a graduate student working with mechanical engineering professor Alex Slocum, the Walter M. May and A. Hazel May Chair in Emerging Technologies, the project aims to take clean energy alternatives to the next level with innovation.

Designer: MIT

According to Aditya, “We’re hoping to use this project as a chance to start conversations around ‘small hydrogen’ systems that could increase demand, which could lead to the development of more infrastructure.” The team took a 1999  Ducati Supersport donor motorcycle frame as the basis and fitted an electric motor, drive train, hydrogen tank and other custom-made components to develop the design. Some components were donated by industry sponsors and the two-wheeler took shape over the period of one year.

The heart of the system is a fuel cell developed by South Korean company Doosan and it’s mated to the supporting gas cylinder for drawing energy. Until the drivetrain is fully developed the bike runs on this hybrid system. The bike is still in the early stages of development and is going to be purely a concept of proof for other designs to follow. To this accord, the team is mindful enough to create a handbook detailing the process of development and fail-safes in case anything goes wrong.

This is important because “a lot of the technology development for hydrogen is either done in simulation or is still in the prototype stages because developing it is expensive, and it’s difficult to test these kinds of systems,” as per one of the team members. There have been previous efforts to develop such hydrogen-powered vehicles but nothing that’s completely open-source like this one. The project is an ongoing endeavor until the cost of the fuel cell is made commercially viable.

The post MIT researchers developing open source hydrogen powered motorcycle for other developers to improve on first appeared on Yanko Design.