The military field being the source of several innovations, it is not surprising to see the Russian air force testing drones propelled by hydrogen during the current Syrian conflict.
A Russian source affirms that the hydrogen-powered military UAV tested in Syria obtained very good results. Hydrogen provides more energy for the same weight than fossil fuels, the drones put to the test could fly for a longer period of time. In addition to the higher autonomy, these UAVs are more difficult to detect by thermal-guided missiles.
This technology is also applicable to UAVs used by civilians. A company in Montreal already proved the feasibility of this concept.
The increase in autonomy obtained by the use of hydrogen as fuel opens a great number of potential use for UAVs in addition to being more environmental-friendly than fossils fuels. Fields like public safety, detection of forest fires and inspection of electric lines or pipelines will profit from this increase in autonomy.