Shenzhen-based MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology (MMC) has launched a new, hydrogen-fueled UAV, the HyDrone 1800, which it claims can remain airborne for more than four hours. According to MMC, the HyDrone 1800 — which was unveiled in Shenzhen on 10th April — offers a range of 100km with live video stream and can operate in temperatures below -20°C.

The company, a specialist in multirotor UAVs, points out that hydrogen fuel solves all the shortcomings of a traditional LiPo battery. It is long-lived, does not require recycling, does not harm the environment, functions in low temperatures and provides eight times longer endurance than a regular battery.

The gas is compressed into the UAV’s tank at 30Mpa, MMC explains, adding that the composite carbon fibre tank has been successfully drop-tested from a height of 200m. HyDrone is made from water/dust/fire-proof carbon fibre shells designed in MMC’s research centre.

The company emphasises that the new UAV should not be seen as a “toy”. Security and police forces are considered potential users, along with companies performing industrial inspection missions.