New UAV fuel cells delivered to US military
Ultra Electronics, AMI (AMI) has announced that it has delivered 45 of its ROAMIO D245XR fuel cells for use by the US military in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The contract, worth more than $2 million, was announced 31 July 2012.
According to the company, the ROAMIO D245XR ‘is the most advanced power technology available, providing unparalleled long duration flight of more than eight hours in small UAS platforms’. All branches of the US military have tested AMI fuel cells, and the company has delivered its technology to the Rapid Equipping Force (REF), the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Centre (TARDEC), and the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Centre (CERDEC).
The ROAMIO D245XR is designed and tested for integration with UAS weighing less than 25 lbs and with wingspans of approximately 12 ft. The propane fuel cell system enables these UAS to be powered anywhere in the world by locally sourced fuels.
A company spokesperson said of the delivery, ‘compared to other, larger UAS platforms, those powered by the ROAMIO D245XR can fly further and longer, as well as carry more sensors and equipment with a much smaller logistical footprint. The ROAMIO D245XR weighs significantly less than a traditional battery pack or other power source, reducing the overall weight burden of putting advanced UAS payloads and flight duration capabilities into small squads and making it possible for the system to be operated by only one or two warfighters.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
