@article{XU2026, 
author = {Weiqiang XU and Bingxin ZHANG and He ZHU and Li CHEN},
title = {Research progress and key technologies of hydrogen fuel cell UAVs},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics},
volume = {52},
number = {10},
pages = {3563-3579},
keywords = {unmanned aerial vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid power, on-board hydrogen storage, energy management, thermal management},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.13700/j.bh.1001-5965.2026.0440},
doi = {10.13700/j.bh.1001-5965.2026.0440},
abstract = {Due to their high energy density and zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cell UAVs have become a vital means of overcoming the endurance limitations of traditional lithium-battery-powered UAVs in the context of a growing low-altitude economy and the development of green aviation. This paper provides a comprehensive review and systematic categorization of the development and key technologies of hydrogen-fuel cell UAVs, along with a reasonable outlook on their future evolution, to serve as a valuable reference for related research. In particular, the paper starts with a summary of the scientific advancements and developmental history of hydrogen-powered aircraft, the inherent benefits of hydrogen fuel cell powertrain systems, and the state of the art in hydrogen fuel cell unmanned aerial vehicles. Subsequently, a systematic analysis is conducted on the core technologies involved in hydrogen fuel cell UAVs, including hydrogen fuel cell technology, multi-source hybrid energy systems, airborne hydrogen storage technology, energy management strategies, and thermal management strategies. Lastly, a summary of the study’s significant findings is provided, and future research directions are indicated by matching the state of these important technologies' research with the real-world difficulties they face.}
}