UAV Fuel-Cell Hydrogen Regulators & COPVs

MEYER builds among the lightest hydrogen storage and pressure-regulation systems available for fuel-cell UAVs.

Drone integrators choose MEYER when every gram matters and flight time is the differentiator. Our COPV and HDRX combinations are deployed across surveying, BVLOS inspection, and cargo platforms.

Why MEYER for UAV fuel-cell systems

  • Up to 70% lighter than all-metal cylinders — and up to 45% lighter than Type 3 COPV technologies
  • Working pressures up to 700 bar for maximum hydrogen storage density
  • HDRX-030 / HDRX-400 composite cylinders + HDRX-R450 regulators — high-pressure, low-mass regulation engineered for drone integration
  • Burst pressures designed to your specification — qualified per program requirements

Lead times

  • Working regulator prototypes: 3–5 months
  • Custom COPV from concept to qualification: 12–24 months

Typical specifications

  • Capacities from 0.5 L to 350 L
  • Service pressures: 300, 500, 700 bar
  • CFRP overwrap, polymer or metallic liner per design

Ready to start?

Tell us about your project — our engineers will respond with feasibility, ballpark specs, and timing.

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RFQ

Why mass matters on a fuel-cell UAV

For a fuel-cell drone, hydrogen storage is the single component that limits flight time, payload, and range. A 4 kg saving on the cylinder versus an all-metal alternative typically buys 5–10 minutes of additional flight time on a small UAV (5–25 kg gross weight) — or the same mass can be re-allocated to payload, sensor head, or range.

Typical UAV cylinder & regulator pairings

  • Sub-1-hour mission, 5–10 kg UAV: HDRX-005 (0.5 L, 300 bar) or HDRX-008-100 (0.8 L). Stores 12–25 g H2. Pair with HDRX-R450 regulator at 1 bar outlet.
  • 1–2 hour mission, 10–20 kg UAV: HDRX-030 (3 L, 300 bar). Stores ~75 g H2. M18×1.5 thread, 1.30 kg.
  • 2–4 hour mission, 20–40 kg UAV: HDRX-068 or HDRX-090 (6.8–9.0 L). 200–225 g H2.
  • Higher-density 700 bar: custom HDRX cylinder build. ~93% more H2 per litre vs 300 bar.

Qualification considerations

For commercial UAV operations under EASA SC-VTOL or FAA Part 135, expect TPED (π-mark) plus operator-specific qualification testing — drop test, fire test, gunfire test, and thermal cycling. Specify the certification target at RFQ; it adds 4–8 weeks of qualification work and affects materials selection. MEYER cylinders ship with the documentation package needed for type certification when the operator pursues it.

Lead time & cost

Catalogue HDRX cylinders ship in 4–8 weeks. Custom cylinders take 12–24 months from concept to qualification. Working regulator prototypes are 3–5 months from spec freeze. For programs targeting first flight in under 6 months, start with a stock HDRX-030 or HDRX-068 — these cover most small UAV missions and avoid the qualification overhead of a custom design.

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