UAS Advanced Development:
Fuel Cell Puma

The Fuel Cell Puma is a joint effort between AV, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) engineers, Protonex Technology (PTX) Corporation, and Millennium Cell (MCEL) for the development of advanced energy storage and propulsion technologies for unmanned aircraft. The hand-launched Puma weighs 14 lbs, including its onboard fuel cell system and single onboard camera. The hybridized proton exchange membrane fuel cell employs a lithium ion battery to provide peak power during takeoff and dash maneuvers; the fuel cell recharges the battery and provides continuous steady-state power for the plane and payload during cruise flight.

Puma achieved a five-hour flight in May 2007, a seven-hour flight in July 2007, and the recent nine-hour flight.