Flexible Fueling Means Flying Further with Julian Hughes of Intelligent Energy

 

Fuel technology is entering the forefront of major conversations among drone users, pilots and manufacturers. What’s the most efficient way to not only power longer flights, but empower varied drone applications? Fuel cell technology looks to be the solution for commercial drones, but for Julian Hughes, senior vice president of Intelligent Energy, the answer lies in multiple power sources.

“There are peaks and lows on the power required to fly a drone,” Hughes said. “The most efficient way is to hybridize it with a small battery.” We spoke with Hughes on the InterDrone trade-show floor to understand why flexible fueling is needed in drones, what he sees for the future adoption of hybridized fueling, and where that leaves innovations for consumer drones.

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