Blueflite, a leader in drone delivery technology, has announced a groundbreaking project to address the growing global demand for safe and reliable hydrogen fuel storage solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This ambitious early-stage project, supported by the Northern Territory (NT) Government in Australia, will see Blueflite open a new facility in Darwin to develop lightweight hydrogen containers using Advanced Fiber Placement (AFP) technology. This project is specifically aimed at the underserved long-range UAV sector.
In collaboration with Charles Darwin University (CDU), Blueflite will leverage the university’s innovative additive manufacturing capabilities, including the use of an industrial robot with advanced AFP technology. This AFP robot, the only one of its kind in Australia, represents a significant advancement over traditional methods of composite vessel manufacturing.
Frank Noppel, CEO of Blueflite, highlighted the significance of this project: “UAVs have the potential to shrink distances, increase services in remote areas, and decarbonize last-mile transportation. In conjunction with CDU, H3 Dynamics, and support from the Northern Territory Government, we will establish a composite hydrogen tank manufacturing capability that does not exist in Australia and integrate it into our proven UAV platform.”
This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the range and efficiency of UAVs, with hydrogen fuel cells potentially increasing range by 700% compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The project will also involve trials for remote site hydrogen generation and filling, conducted alongside CDU’s Energy Resource Institute.
Charmaine Phillips, Northern Territory Director of AMGC, emphasized the region’s strategic importance for the project: “The Northern Territory is ideally positioned to assist Blueflite and its collaborators to succeed. Not only do we have the right geographical conditions, but we also have the right support mechanisms and innovation ecosystem.”
This project underscores Blueflite’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the rapidly growing UAV market, with the global drone market expected to grow to $223 billion by 2033.
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(Top image: Credit — Blueflite)
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