Here is another example of military technology that will have significant civilian benefit … in this case fuel cell powered unmanned drones (very small planes).
“The Ion Tiger is small prop driven plane that promises to carry a five pound payload and stay aloft for more than 24 hours … power source is series of hydrogen fuel cells that crank out 500 watt … power the three quarter horsepower prop motor …”
“On Oct. 9-10, the 37-pound Ion Tiger stayed aloft for 23 hours and 17 minutes at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, just missing its 24 hour goal …”
“… advantages to a hydrogen-powered craft like Ion Tiger … cheaper and fuel (water!) and zero emissions assuming the hydrogen comes from a non-polluting source … biggest advantage is the absence of heat and noise generated by an internal combustion engine which makes the Ion Tiger is hard to detect. ”
Check out the viedo below …
Via: SmartPlanet LINK