[Emek Hefer, Israel, February 17, 2025] – BlueBird Aero Systems proudly unveils its latest breakthrough: A field-proven operational Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV, powered by a new PEM Fuel-Cell technology developed over the past several years by H3 Dynamics in the USA. This cutting-edge innovation redefines operational capabilities by delivering an electric VTOL UAV with unprecedented flight endurance of over 6 hours, unmatched reliability and a sustainable energy solution.
The WanderB-VTOL is an electric VTOL Mini-UAS, designed for rapid deployment and operation in any environment. Combat-proven, it can effectively function in GPS-denied and spoofed conditions. The WanderB-VTOL is a mature and proven products, in service with over 25 global customers, with more than 350 platforms delivered to date.
The hydrogen fuel-cell powered WanderB-VTOL has accumulated a considerable number of flight-hours that validated the system’s exceptional performance, including continuous operation for over six hours. BlueBird Aero Systems’ rigorous testing has demonstrated reliability and mission readiness. The fuel-cell enables up to 1000 operational hours (until maintenance round) and requires easy maintenance.
Bluebird Customer’s will be able to enjoy this extended endurance by upgrading their WanderB-VTOL systems with the new Fuel-Cell power source.
The WanderB-VTOL specifications:
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 18 kg
Flight Endurance: Over 6 hours
Flight Ceiling: 16,000 feet
Payload Capacity: 1.5 kg
Operational Advantages of Fuel-Cells vs. Lithium Batteries
The fuel-cell provides much higher energy-density than Lithium Batteries, allowing the UAV to stay on target for significantly longer durations at the same weight, with significant operational advantages: reducing takeoffs and landings cycles to reduced strain and maintenance cost, longer and more efficient missions, less “dead” time on the way to the target’s area. For example, a mapping flight powered by a fuel-cell can cover a much larger area.
“This is a significant technological milestone for the tactical UAV industry” said Avi Elraz, VP R&D and Engineering.
A Smarter, Greener Energy Solution
At the core of this revolutionary system lies a hybrid solution, combining a hydrogen fuel- cell with a backup battery. The fuel-cell provides a continuous, clean power source, generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only byproduct. The backup battery ensures additional energy when needed and acts as an emergency source of energy.
BlueBird’s solution redefines sustainability in UAV operations, ensuring that environmental responsibility meets high performance. This breakthrough not only offers a significant leap in energy efficiency and mission longevity but also sets a new standard in eco-friendly innovation.
“Bluebird is already leading the VTOL UAV market with battle-proven, reliable and capable UAVs, and now, with WanderB-VTOL powered by Fuel-Cell, even more capable with unmatched endurance for a more effective missions” said Ronen Nadir, Founder and CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems.
With its high performance, high availability and comprehensive customer-support, BlueBird’s fuel-cell powered WanderB-VTOL is tailored to meet the demands of both military and civilian markets.
For more information about the fuel-cell powered WanderB-VTOL and BlueBird’s range of UAS solutions, please visit www.bluebird-uav.com
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