BENGALURU: In a major step forward for sustainable aviation, the Research and Development Centre under the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at the Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, has successfully demonstrated a pioneering hydrogen fuel-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The successful proof-of-concept flight was witnessed by a panel of distinguished defense and energy experts. Among them was Durgaprasad M, Scientist ‘G’ at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
“Hydrogen-powered drones are a game-changer because they offer the perfect balance of being eco-friendly while providing the long-range power that industries need,” said Durgaprasad M. “Soon, hydrogen drones will be a common sight in our skies, helping us work more efficiently while keeping our air clean and our planet healthy.”
A Collaborative Milestone in Aerospace Engineering
The landmark demonstration also drew attendance from senior ADE scientists Madan R and Uthirabalan R; Dr. Seetaramu, former Director of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI); and Srinivasan K, a former senior scientist at DRDO.
The development of the sustainable drone was supported by funding from La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, Pune. Salim Huzefa, the foundation's Executive Director, along with senior executive Srinivasa Pudipatla, hailed the achievement as a historic milestone for both aeronautical engineering and clean energy integration.
"The project utilizes hydrogen to power flight controllers and computers, significantly enhancing drone endurance," explained Dr. Prahalad N. Tengli, Professor and Head of R&D (Defence & Aerospace) at NMIT.
According to Dr. Tengli, the prototype currently holds a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4. The demonstration marks a crucial step toward replacing heavy, traditional lithium-battery systems with high-endurance hydrogen fuel cells.
Looking Ahead: Scale and Infrastructure
NMIT has laid out an ambitious roadmap to transition this technology from a laboratory concept to a commercial product. The institute plans to scale the innovation to TRL 7-8 (system prototype demonstration in an operational environment) through a dedicated campus-based startup. Alongside the drone's development, NMIT is working on generating green hydrogen locally using wind and solar-powered electrolyzers.
Currently, the NMIT team—composed of faculty, students, and research associates—is focusing its efforts on two primary challenges:
Weight Reduction: Minimizing the weight of the onboard hydrogen fuel cell to maximize flight time.
Infrastructure: Developing local hydrogen charging and refueling stations to support future drone operators.
If successful, the initiative could usher in a new era of clean, high-enduring aerospace operations across Indian logistics, agriculture, and defense.
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