Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and Dronamics have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the application of CAeS’ hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) propulsion system in the Dronamics Black Swan cargo drone aircraft. The LOI to supply a substantial number of propulsion systems from 2026 has also been signed, taking CAeS’s total pipeline to over 1300 drivetrains.
The two companies have been collaborating since November 2022 on a feasibility study to assess the suitability of CAeS’s HFC technology for the Black Swan, a cargo drone capable of carrying up to 350kg for up to 2,500km.
The study has confirmed the compatibility of the CAeS HFC system with the Black Swan, and CAeS will be developing a STC equivalent modification pack to convert existing versions of the aircraft to a zero emissions HFC variant in accordance with CS23 aircraft design standards.
The agreement between the two companies will not only provide a route to market for CAeS’ modular HFCS propulsion system technology, but will also enable Dronamics customers to benefit from zero-emissions cargo drone freight.
Commenting on the MoU, CAeS Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hutton, said:
“The selection as preferred supplier of hydrogen fuel-cell powerplants for the Dronamics Black Swan fleet is testament to the exceptional technology that our team has developed and also to our aircraft integration design capabilities. We have now demonstrated that we can adapt and integrate our modular hydrogen propulsion technology into different platforms, opening up much wider market opportunities to exploit further the CAeS gaseous HFC aircraft propulsion systems from 2026.”
Svilen Rangelov, Chief Executive Officer of Dronamics, added:
“We are very excited to be working with CAeS on the adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell technology for our aircraft, having successfully completed the feasibility study. The prospect of running flights with their emissions-free propulsion system helps further solidify our position as a frontrunner in the cargo drone market.”
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and cargo drone airline, Dronamics, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the application of CAeS’ hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) propulsion system in the Dronamics Black Swan. This includes an LOI to supply a substantial number of propulsion systems from 2026, taking CAeS’s total pipeline to over 1300 drivetrains.
The two companies have been collaborating since November 2022 on a feasibility study for the Black Swan, a cargo drone capable of carrying up to 350kg for up to 2,500km. The study has confirmed the compatibility of the CAeS HFC system, and CAeS will be developing an STC equivalent modification pack to convert existing versions of the aircraft to a zero emissions HFC variant in accordance with CS23 aircraft design standards.
The agreement will provide a route to market for CAeS’ modular HFCS propulsion system technology, as well as allowing Dronamics customers to benefit from zero-emissions cargo drone freight.
Commenting on the MoU, CAeS Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hutton said: “The selection as preferred supplier of hydrogen fuel-cell powerplants for the Dronamics Black Swan fleet is testament to the exceptional technology that our team has developed and also to our aircraft integration design capabilities. We have now demonstrated that we can adapt and integrate our modular hydrogen propulsion technology into different platforms, opening up much wider market opportunities to exploit further the CAeS gaseous HFC aircraft propulsion systems from 2026.”
Svilen Rangelov, Chief Executive Officer of Dronamics, added: “We are very excited to be working with CAeS on the adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell technology for our aircraft, having successfully completed the feasibility study. The prospect of running flights with their emissions-free propulsion system helps further solidify our position as a frontrunner in the cargo drone market.”
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) and cargo drone airline, Dronamics, have today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the application of CAeS’ hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) propulsion system in the Dronamics Black Swan cargo drone aircraft. The LOI to supply a substantial number of propulsion systems from 2026 has also been signed, taking CAeS’s total pipeline to over 1300 drivetrains.
The two companies have been collaborating since November 2022 on a feasibility study to assess the suitability of
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