Raybird UAV completed a flight powered by hydrogen fuel

A modified version of Skyeton’s Raybird UAV recently completed a test flight in Ukraine using hydrogen fuel. The aircraft was equipped with an electric engine powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which converts hydrogen into electricity.

Following the successful flight, Skyeton is focused on developing a new fuselage architecture tailored for hydrogen integration. The updated design will optimize space and weight distribution for the hydrogen fuel cell system, supporting the future serial production of the hydrogen-powered Raybird.

Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton: “The main task for us is to create an aircraft with an electric engine capable of over 15 hours of flight endurance in extreme conditions while carrying a payload. We are considering a hydrogen fuel solution as a way to gain all the advantages of an electric motor, such as high reliability, engine power, and ease of maintenance, combined with a long-duration continuous flight, which is a hallmark of our UAV.” 

The Raybird UAS is used in long-endurance surveillance and reconnaissance missions. With the shift toward hydrogen-electric propulsion, the platform will offer enhanced operational efficiency and environmental performance for both defense and civilian applications.