The global standard cargo drone developer Dronamics is teaming up with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell technology into the Black Swan, the long-range cargo drone developed by Dronamics.

With a partnership that seems from the two companies’ mutual belief that hydrogen fuel cell technology can expand the possibility of zero-emission air travel, the two aerospace innovators will work together to bring to market a sustainable solution for cargo delivery services, Dronamics underlined in a statement. The collaboration will focus on integrating the hydrogen fuel cell technology CAeS is developing into Black Swan, resulting in a technically and commercially feasible zero-emissions solution.

Introduced in December last year, the Black Swan drone is a cargo airplane capable of transporting 770 lb (350 kg), a range of up to 2,500 km. The drone is set to change the way the world moves goods, making long-distance same-day delivery affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly, Dronamics claims.

“When we set out to develop our drone technology, we had a very clear goal in mind – build the most efficient cargo aircraft to date,” said Konstantin Rangelov, Co-Founder and CTO of Dronamics. “Less time, less cost, less emissions. Our partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions will allow us to bring clean, zero-emission aviation technology to more communities and businesses in all corners of the planet more quicker. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we couldn’t be more excited about it.”

“This partnership with Dronamics represents a fantastic opportunity for CAeS,” said Paul Hutton, CEO of CAeS. “Not only will the hydrogen-fuel-cell technology we are currently developing for the 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander change the face of regional aviation, but it will also make a huge impact on the cargo industry. The combined experience and expertise of CAeS and Dronamics is a very exciting prospect.”

With ICAO’s recently-announced collective global goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and COP27 addressing urgent joint action across the world, Dronamics and CAeS firmly believe that the time to tackle those challenges is now, together.