Engines
Qdot Choses H3's Hydrogen Fuel Cells For Uncrewed VTOL Aircraft
Oxford University spinoff says propulsion technology could support eVTOL aircraft and business jets
Qdot Technology test rig for hydrogen-electric propulsion system
Qdot Technology and H3 Dynamics are jointly developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system that could first be used for Qdot's planned uncrewed cargo VTOL aircraft.

A new uncrewed cargo VTOL aircraft being developed by UK start-up Qdot Technology is to be powered by a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system developed by H3 Dynamics. On September 18, the companies announced a partnership they said would extend the range of the autonomous aircraft up to 600 kilometers (326 nm), or 250 kilometers with a 200-kilogram (440 pound) payload.

Qdot, which is a spin-off venture from Oxford University’s Thermofluids Institute, is seeking to advance new thermal management technology for aircraft propulsion systems. It believes the technology could be scaled up to support multiple other uncrewed missions, including middle-mile logistics, medical transportation, and search and rescue. In the longer term, the company sees scope for developing larger crewed eVTOL aircraft and light business jets.