While we were distracted by things like turkey and holiday plans, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell unmanned air vehicle dubbed the Ion Tiger was breaking an unofficial endurance record.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's aircraft, dubbed the "Ion Tiger," flew for 26 hours and one minute, beating the 23-hour, 17-minute flight time it achieved in October. Carrying five pounds of cargo aboard, the quiet 37-pound vehicle is of course intended for stealth military maneuvers. But many military inventions have civilian applications later, which is why I'm interested in the hydrogen fuel cell part.
The vehicle has polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells like ones found in the auto industry. According to the lab, Ion Tiger's 550-watt fuel cell is several times more efficient than an equivalent internal combustion engine or battery pack and it produces zero emissions. This kind of fuel cell requires pure hydrogen, though, and onboard storage for serious mileage remains a challenge.
When the U.S. Military announces the successful creation of a hydrogen fuel cell aircraft that a human can fly in, then I think civilian applications won't be far behind. In the meantime, keep an eye on the Tiger.
Photo: The Ion Tiger in flight. Credit: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
Tags: Alternative Fuels, Fuel Cells, Green Tech
comments ( )