Doosan Mobility Innovation Unveils First Hydrogen Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft

Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) is strengthening its marketing activities by participating in Korea's largest drone exhibition and showcasing a variety of products.

Doosan Mobility Innovation announced on the 5th that it will participate in the '2024 Drone Show Korea,' held from the 6th to the 8th at BEXCO in Busan, hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of National Defense. About 190 related organizations and companies from Korea and abroad, including Korean Air, Korea Aerospace Industries, and LIG Nex1, will also participate.

Doosan Mobility Innovation has organized its exhibition space into a Mobility Zone and a Hydrogen Zone, and to differentiate from previous exhibitions, it will also introduce prototypes under development and Doosan Corporation's hydrogen fuel cell products.

In the Mobility Zone, the following will be exhibited: ▲Hydrogen Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ▲Hydrogen drones (DS30W, DT30X) ▲Land-air separable combined prototype.

Vertical Takeoff and Landing refers to aircraft such as airplanes or drones that can take off and land vertically. Since they can operate without a runway, they can be easily used in limited spaces or emergency situations.

The hydrogen VTOL aircraft, which Doosan Mobility Innovation is unveiling for the first time at this exhibition, meets the requirements for battalion-level unmanned reconnaissance aircraft operated by the military (flight time over 2 hours, airframe size around 2 meters, weight under 25 kg, etc.). It is currently under development.

Since Doosan Mobility Innovation is conducting various military-linked projects such as the Rapid Demonstration Acquisition Project (Defense Acquisition Program Administration), Excellent Commercial Product Demonstration Project (Ministry of National Defense), and Combat Experiment Operation Project (Army Education Command), the hydrogen VTOL is expected to play an important role in entering the military-related market.

'‘2024 Drone Show Korea' Doosan Mobility Innovation Booth Image [Photo by Doosan Mobility Innovation]'

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The DS30W is a drone airframe that can be equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell powerpack, with enhanced wind resistance compared to existing products, capable of withstanding average wind speeds of 12 m/s and gusts up to 15 m/s. It has obtained an IP43 rating for waterproof and dustproof capabilities, ensuring durability. It can fly for extended periods with low noise and vibration, making it suitable not only for search and rescue of missing persons but also for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It was selected as an excellent commercial product by the Ministry of National Defense last year.

The DT30X is an integrated hydrogen drone with high flight efficiency and excellent durability, including waterproof and dustproof features. It is scheduled to be launched in the domestic market this year. The land-air separable combined prototype is a drone that can connect to or separate from a ground module during logistics delivery and is being jointly developed with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute.

In the Hydrogen Zone, the following will be showcased: ▲Hydrogen fuel cell powerpacks (DP30M2s, DM15, DP150) ▲Hydrogen fuel cell generators ▲Hydrogen charging equipment and hydrogen tanks.

The DP30M2s is the world's first commercialized hydrogen fuel cell for drones, customizable for various drone airframes, enabling stable output for long flight times, and has obtained certification from the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS). The DM15 is a lightweight hydrogen fuel cell powerpack module with high safety, and the DP150, currently under development, is a 15 kW-class hydrogen fuel cell optimized for medium to large mobility such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and cargo drones. The hydrogen fuel cell generator is a 2 kW-class unit that can be used for industrial, residential, and camping purposes. It produces low noise and heat, making it suitable for military use as well.

Additionally, hydrogen charging equipment capable of charging various hydrogen mobility devices such as hydrogen drones and hydrogen forklifts, as well as lightweight and highly durable hydrogen tanks (7L, 10.8L), will be introduced.

A Doosan Mobility Innovation official stated, “We plan to showcase a diverse product lineup, including hydrogen VTOLs for the military and prototypes currently under development, in addition to existing hydrogen drones, to customers and partners, thereby demonstrating DMI’s business expansion potential.” He added, “Starting this year, we will actively explore new domestic and international markets, including the military-related market.”

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