Navy and Marine Corps conduct experimental testing of hydrogen-powered balloon and drone system for extended, off-horizon visual capabilities

U.S. Navy and Marines Test Hydrogen-Powered Balloon and Drone System

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the Marine Corps have recently demonstrated a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered balloon and drone system designed for over-the-horizon sensing and communications. This trial marks an important step towards longer-lasting, energy-efficient sensing platforms at sea.

The innovative system, which explores hydrogen production and use for balloons and hydrogen-powered drones, could revolutionize the way the Navy maintains surveillance, targeting, and communications in contested areas. High-Altitude Balloons (HABs) carrying sensors and communications relays, when paired with drones, significantly reduce the number of sorties required for missions.

The Marines were invited to give feedback on the system during the demonstration, ensuring that new technologies match operational needs before moving to acquisition. Capt. Joshua Ashley, U.S. Marine Corps, highlighted the ability to maintain a sensor payload on a HAB for weeks after launch over an area of interest as a game-changer.

Rick Stroman, Ph.D., head of NRL's Alternative Energy Section, noted that hydrogen is a feasible alternative to helium for Department of Defense (DoD)-relevant balloons. The combination of HABs and drones also extends the area forces can monitor.

The hydrogen-powered balloon and drone system is the result of a four-year program funded by the Department of Defense's Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). The company that collaborated on this project tested the system by the Navy and Marines in California is part of the OECIF program, with involvement from the U.S. Marine Corps' Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O).

RuthAnne Darling, Director of Operational Energy-Innovation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, noted that the hydrogen approach could help forces operate across remote island chains and dispersed areas. The system allows persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT) operations without relying on heavier logistics.

Hydrogen powers long-endurance drones, and the combination of hydrogen-powered balloons and drones allows operators to bounce signals off the hydrogen to extend control ranges. This approach allows for persistent ISRT operations without the need for frequent battery changes or refueling, making it a promising solution for future military missions.

Meanwhile, in the realm of civilian transportation, Chinese firm Voyah unveiled the Dream, a hybrid EV offering a 950-mile range. The Dream charges from 20% to 80% in just 12 minutes, showcasing the potential for hydrogen technology in various applications.

As the U.S. Navy and Marines continue to refine and test the hydrogen-powered balloon and drone system, it remains to be seen how this technology will shape the future of military operations. The trial reduced technical risk ahead of larger military exercises, paving the way for a more energy-efficient and sustainable future in defense technology.

Navy and Marine Corps conduct experimental testing of hydrogen-powered balloon and drone system for extended, off-horizon visual capabilities