Researchers Gyula Sólyom and Gergely Kuna from the System and Control Laboratory of HUN-REN SZTAKI (Institute for Computer Science and Control) have successfully conducted a live demonstration of a hydrogen-powered multicopter drone at the Hungarian Defence Forces’ Ócsa Training Base.

The demonstration featured HUN-REN SZTAKI’s Gryphon hexacopter, powered by a fuel cell and backup battery system. The drone weighs 18 kilograms, has a payload capacity of 2 kilograms, and is capable of remaining airborne for up to 110 minutes on a full charge.

During the event, participants witnessed hydrogen refueling, flight preparation procedures, and an autonomous route flight within the training ground’s airspace. Meanwhile, the Department of Electronic Warfare of the Faculty of Military Science and Officer Training at the Ludovika University of Public Service conducted sensor-based reconnaissance measurements on the drone. These activities provided researchers with access to unique measurement data that are rarely available worldwide.