Oxford’s Qdot Technology and Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics are working together on the world’s first emissions-free long range cargo UAV, creating new ways to transport heavy payloads to remote locations.
As part of this collaboration, H3 Dynamics’ hydrogen-electric fuel cell system is hybridized with Qdot’s unique battery technology and new ultra-light heat exchangers. Furthermore, a new multi-pitch propeller system provides a seamless transition between vertical hover and fixed-wing flight. By bringing together these advanced technologies into one platform, electric flight endurance is greatly increased, and payloads of up to 200 kilograms could be flown over long distances.
Qdot is a spin-off from Oxford University’s Thermofluids Institute, and is comprised of a team of world-class scientists and technology experts. Its one-of-a-kind approach on thermal management across various elements of the aircraft powertrain gives it a unique advantage over traditional UAV developers and system integrators.
These capabilities provide an aerial platform for many different kinds of mission profiles, including middle-mile aerial logistics, medical transport, search and rescue to name a few - while also exceeding the range and payload capacity of similar-sized aircraft and helicopters currently deployed for these duties.
“Our hybrid powertrain strategy enables uncrewed aircraft to meet the necessary range and payload capacity, paving the way for new applications, stated Dr Jack Nicholas, CEO of Qdot Technology.
H3 Dynamics is supporting Qdot Technology by providing hydrogen-electric solutions designed to aerospace standards to ensure qualification and validation by aviation authorities. H3 Dynamics’ fuel cell system is now an integral part of Qdot’s hybrid powertrain. “
We are excited in our partnership with Qdot and are looking forward to integrating Qdot’s capabilities into our solution offering” stated Bertrand Gauthier, co-Founder and Head of European Operations at H3 Dynamics.
As Qdot plans to scale its technologies from heavy-lift cargo UAVs to larger manned aircraft including eVTOLs and light business jets, H3 Dynamics is already paving the way with a number of adjacent developments together with a number of Aircraft OEMs and Institutions, all of which will soon benefit from Qdot’s innovations.