Japan Certifies H3 Dynamics’ Hydrogen-Powered Drone

December 7, 2021

The Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (MITI) granted approval for a hydrogen-powered drone equipped with H3 Dynamics’ AEROSTAK hydrogen fuel cell system, developed by Drone Works and with integration support by Nexty Electronics, H3 Dynamics has announced.

The cooperation between the companies led to the first certified hydrogen fuel cell multi-rotor drone test flight in Japan. The new drone is equipped with a small composite container for high-pressure hydrogen developed by JFE Container Co. The fuell cell system is manufactured by H3 Dynamics, which is also working with Toyota Group member Toyota Tsusho Nexty Electronics for technical integration in Japan.

H3 Dynamics is aiming to develop decarbonization of flight in small drones to large aircraft. The company recently closed a $26 million Series B financing round, led by Mirai Creation Fund. By using lightweight hydrogen as the energy source of a drone, it is possible to fly for a much longer time than with lithium batteries, the company said. In addition, with increasingly large applications, hydrogen offers a stronger environmental solution to support decarbonization, as hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy or municipal waste.

Leveraging hydrogen energy contributes to solving issues in line with the Japanese government’s goal of realizing carbon neutrality by 2050. The companies involved in this project said they believe the success of the Japan demonstration opens the way towards wider adoption of hydrogen in air mobility applications.

Additional projects for H3 Dynamics include air cargo platforms, including fixed-wing, VTOL and hydrogen refueling accessories, to support zero emission air mobility. The company was also chosen by Groupe ADP in Pris to form part of the Paris air mobility ecosystem.

For more details on the company, visit the H3 Dynamics website here.