Dronamics, the leading middle-mile cargo drone developer and operator, and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), a leading innovator in the development of zero emissions solutions for aerospace, announced that they will be combining their expertise to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell technology into the Black Swan, the long-range cargo drone developed by Dronamics.
Brought together by their mutual belief that hydrogen fuel-cell technology can open up the possibility of zero-emissions aviation, the two aerospace innovators will be working together to bring to market a viable, sustainable solution for cargo delivery services. The collaboration will focus on integrating the hydrogen fuel-cell technology CAeS is developing into the Black Swan, the flagship aircraft designed, developed and operated by Dronamics, resulting in a technically and commercially feasible zero-emissions offering. The Black Swan is capable of carrying up to 350 kg at a range of up to 2,500 km and is set to change how the world moves goods, making same-day delivery over long distances affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly.
“When we set out to develop our drone technology, we had a very clear goal in mind - build the most efficient cargo aircraft to date. Less time, less cost, less emissions. Our partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions will allow us to bring clean, zero-emission aviation technology to more communities and businesses in all corners of the planet, quicker. We have a lot of work ahead of us but we couldn’t be more excited for it ”
Konstantin Rangelov, Co-Founder and CTO of Dronamics.
“This partnership with Dronamics represents a fantastic opportunity for CAeS. Not only will the hydrogen-fuel-cell technology we are currently developing for the 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander change the face of regional aviation, but it will also make a huge impact on the cargo industry. The combined experience and expertise of CAeS and Dronamics is a very exciting prospect ”
Paul Hutton, CEO of CAeS.
With ICAO’s recently-announced collective global goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and COP27 addressing urgent joint action across the world, Dronamics and CAeS firmly believe that the time to tackle those challenges is now, together.
About DRONAMICS:
DRONAMICS is the leading developer and operator of large, long-range drones built specifically for cargo. Its flagship Black Swan is able to carry 350 kg (770lb) at a distance of up to 2,500 km (1,550mi), enabling same-day shipping over very long distances for a variety of industries, from pharma to food, from e-commerce to spare parts. Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, the Black Swan can operate on up to 60% lower emissions than alternative modes of transport, including air freight.
The company’s fast-growing team includes some of the world’s top aerospace and logistics experts and is Europe’s first licensed drone cargo airline. Dronamics is the winner of numerous awards for innovation and is IATA’s first Strategic Partner for drones worldwide.
About Cranfield Aerospace Solutions:
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is recognised as a pioneer in aviation - developing cutting edge technology, new aerospace concepts and aircraft modifications for some of the world’s largest aerospace companies. CAeS delivers safe and clean aviation solutions that will benefit generations to come.
Attention is currently focused on “Project Fresson” – an initiative set to deliver the world’s first fully certified truly green passenger carrying aircraft using hydrogen fuel cell technology. CAeS is working up to the design and manufacture of a new-build, 19-seater and 75-seater green aircraft. The project has started with converting a Britten-Norman Islander 9-seat aircraft by transforming its propulsion system from conventional fossil fuel to that of gaseous hydrogen via a fuel cell and electric motor. The end solution will deliver carbon emissions free commercial air travel and is planned to be certified for passenger flight in 2026.
CAeS is an established aerospace business of over 33 years, with 100+ staff and is one of very few aerospace SMEs globally to have both whole aircraft design capability and to hold a range of regulatory approvals for the design and manufacture of modifications to existing aircraft. CAeS is based at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire, UK where the company has access to some of the UK’s most advanced aviation test and research facilities.