sUAS Prototype Successfully Completes a Hydrogen-Powered Flight

Zepher’s Z1 VTOL sUAS has successfully completed a hydrogen-powered flight meeting milestone targets in development for United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) By Sarah Simpson / 14 Sep 2021

Group 2 UAS

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
sUAS Prototype Successfully Completes a Hydrogen-Powered Flight
Follow DA

Working under an expedited timeline to deliver a platform that would improve the endurance and acoustic signature of UAS in austere environments, the custom manufactured UAS prototype by Zepher, delivers on key expectations outlined under contract with Army Futures Command

This critical testing target for the prototype comes after successful hover tests, followed by subsequent transitions into forward flight.

The development and product realization plan has included advanced hardware-in-the-loop simulations, subsystem component flight testing on surrogate platforms, and iterative design/build/test cycles to ensure optimized performance and durability. The result is a reliable UAV built to military standards.

“Every facet of the Z1 product is being reimagined from the perspective of the modern service member and the military’s current technology challenges in order to achieve advancements in UAS performance and utility,” notes Adam Stolz, VP Programs.

“Reaching this point in the project is a significant step in our larger pursuit of pushing the boundaries of UAS development to realize new innovations for hyper-enabled operators and peer conflicts.”

A key element of the buildout has been the incorporation of a hydrogen fuel cell powered variable pitch propeller, the first of its kind for a Group 2 UAS. This system provides advanced endurance, acoustic signature, flight control, and durability characteristics.

Zepher expects to showcase the prototype for agencies including USASOC later this year and release an initial product by early 2022.

Posted by Sarah Simpson Edited by Sarah Simpson, Content Manager with a passion for research and creating digital copy with a focus on new technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

WDS Unveils Innovative Features and Expansion

At IDEX 2025, World Defense Show has revealed several new features to be implemented at its upcoming third edition in 2026 under the theme ‘The Future of Defense Integration’

Feb 18, 2025
New Coast Control Radar Launching at IDEX

Saab is introducing its new Coast Control Radar at IDEX 2025, a phased-array, software-defined system designed to enhance maritime security and monitor coastal waterways

Feb 18, 2025
Thermal Monocular Solutions to Showcase at Enforce Tac 2025

Teledyne FLIR will showcase its solutions ‘designed for the heat of the action’ at Enforce Tac 2025, including thermal monocular solutions for law enforcement agencies and more

Feb 18, 2025
Creomagic Showcasing High-Performance Wireless Solutions for Tactical UAVs

At IDEX 2025 and the EnforceTac trade fair, Creomagic will showcase its next-gen of compact wireless solutions, including the CreoAir Pro, designed to meet the demanding communication needs of aerial operations

Feb 18, 2025
Advanced C2 Software for Autonomous Swarm Operations Released

L3Harris introduces AMORPHOUS™, a new software that enables seamless control of thousands of autonomous assets across domains, enhancing military operations with advanced, collaborative autonomy.

Feb 17, 2025
Trillium to Provide Gimbal Systems for Raytheon Loitering Munition

Trillium Engineering has been awarded a Phase One Production contract to supply HD25-LV gimbal systems, set to integrate with a Raytheon Loitering Munition

Feb 17, 2025

Featured Content

Trillium to Provide Gimbal Systems for Raytheon Loitering Munition

Trillium Engineering has been awarded a Phase One Production contract to supply HD25-LV gimbal systems, set to integrate with a Raytheon Loitering Munition

Feb 17, 2025
Rugged Computing Solutions for Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Systel's rugged mission-critical computing solutions for defense and government applications

Feb 13, 2025
IDEX 2025: Allen-Vanguard to Introduce New RF CEMA Technology

Allen-Vanguard is unveiling its latest core at IDEX 2025, delivering a new level of capability for multi-function CEMA platforms with improved electronic warfare performance

Feb 13, 2025