Intelligent Energy has unveiled a new 120kW hydrogen fuel cell power system for heavy-lift fixed-wing drones and secured its largest commercial order to date in the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector.
The two developments come as the hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer’s UAV business continues to grow, supported by increasing demand for hydrogen-powered drones capable of flying further, carrying heavier payloads and remaining airborne for longer than battery-powered alternatives.
The newly introduced system is intended to meet demand for long-range fixed-wing UAVs capable of carrying payloads ranging from 150kg to 750kg for surveillance, defence, security and logistics operations.
Known as IE-FLIGHT™ 120, the power system is the latest addition to Intelligent Energy’s IE-FLIGHT™ range of aerospace fuel cell products. It is positioned between the company’s existing IE-SOAR™ systems, for which it has secured the record order, and the higher-power fuel cell technology under development for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and regional aviation.
The announcements follow the UK Government’s commitment to invest £5 billion in drones and autonomous systems through its Defence Investment Plan, supporting the ambition to strengthen the UK’s domestic drone industry. They also reflect the increasing commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel cells for UAV applications.
According to Intelligent Energy, its fuel cells can provide flight times three to five times longer than battery-powered aircraft while emitting only water vapour. Compared with internal combustion engines, they can also offer lower noise and vibration, reduced maintenance requirements and a lower thermal signature, making the technology particularly suited to surveillance, defence and security missions.
Earlier in 2026, Intelligent Energy secured £17 million through the Aerospace Technology Institute-backed HEIGHTS programme to accelerate the development of its high-power aviation fuel cell systems. The company has also invested in a new high-power fuel cell test centre in Chelveston, Northamptonshire, to support the next stage of development.
Greg Harris, Chief Commercial Officer at Intelligent Energy, commented, “The UAV market is moving rapidly towards larger aircraft that need to fly further, carry heavier payloads and stay airborne for much longer. That’s where hydrogen fuel cells have a clear advantage.
“Our new fixed-wing power system demonstrates how our fuel cell technology can scale to an entirely new class of aircraft. It builds on the same platform we’re developing for larger aircraft and shows how hydrogen can unlock new capability across both the UAV and aerospace sectors.
“Combined with a record order for our IE-SOAR technology, this launch underlines a clear trend in the market. Operators are increasingly turning to hydrogen propulsion to achieve longer endurance, greater payload capacity and improved mission capability.”
