The hydrogen-powered heavy-lift drone completes a test flight in Zhoushan. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsqdxq]

The first hydrogen-powered heavy-lift drone in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, recently completed a test flight on Liuheng Island, marking a major step forward in the city's use of new energy technologies.

The drone is designed to ease the physically demanding work of replacing lighthouse batteries, a task that often requires workers to carry heavy batteries up steep hills. By introducing hydrogen fuel technology, the new drone is expected to reduce labor intensity and improve operational safety and efficiency.

The drone features a hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion system and titanium alloy components. It can carry up to 100 kilograms, fly for 3 hours, and cover a radius of 15 km. In comparison, most conventional heavy-lift drones can fly for less than 30 minutes, underscoring hydrogen’s potential as a breakthrough solution to endurance limitations.

With a multi-rotor design, the drone offers greater stability than traditional quadcopters. It can withstand wind levels of 6 to 7 and reach altitudes of up to 3,500 meters, allowing reliable operation even in the region's complex weather conditions.

The test flight demonstrates the feasibility of hydrogen energy for aviation use and introduces an efficient, convenient solution for short-distance cargo transport between islands.