Ann Arbor-based Adaptive Materials Inc. said Wednesday that its solid oxide fuel cell systems recently powered AeroVironment's Puma unmanned aerial vehicle on a hand launched test flight.

In its first test flight, Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system provided enough power for a test flight lasting more than seven hours.

Throughout the seven-hour flight, Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system also provided power for Puma to carry and run two stationary surveillance camera systems. 

Long duration unmanned flights are critical to military surveillance and other field operations. These long duration flights demand a lightweight, reliable and globally available fuel source; Adaptive Material's fuel cells are powered by the same propane tanks that fuel the common camp stove.

"The fact that Adaptive Materials powered Puma with our solid oxide fuel cell system is an accomplishment, but the real achievement is that we provided enough power for a long duration flight that stayed on course in 20 mph wind while carrying a heavy sensor package," said Adaptive Materials' chief business officer Michelle Crumm. "Mission capability is dependent on a UAV's flight time as well as its ability to carry and use sensor packages. Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system delivers the power needed for UAVs to achieve mission capability to support soldiers in the field."

Most of PUMA's test flight, powered by Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system, was conducted under the control of autopilot. The UAV was hand launched and achieved a pilot-controlled landing at the conclusion of its test flight. 

Adaptive Materials' project goal is to deliver a power pod system enabling UAV flights in excess of 11 hours. The company and AeroVironment will conduct a test flight to achieve more than 10 hours of flight time in August. Historically powered by batteries, PUMA has reported standard flight times of only two hours.

"Combined with its superior power density, using propane as its fuel of choice makes Adaptive Materials' fuel cell systems preferable to competing products," Crumm said. "When functionality and ease of use matter, Adaptive Materials' fuel cell systems deliver a lightweight and globally-available power source that soldiers can easily use in the field." 

Funding for Adaptive Materials' work with UAVs is provided through DARPA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. 

Adaptive Materials is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell system.  Adaptive Materials' fuel cell system is provides portable power to the United States armed forces as well as industries including recreational vehicles, boating, and medical devices. 

More at www.adaptivematerials.com.