ISAE-SUPAERO and H3 Dynamics Develop a Zero-emission Pilotless Aircraft to Cross the Atlantic Ocean
23.11.2020 14:00:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
ISAE-SUPAERO:
Extracting energy for ultra-long range flights
Since the pioneering work of Lord Rayleigh in 1883, it has been observed that some birds such as Albatrosses can achieve outstanding flight durations and ranges by using wind gradients over flat surfaces. More recently, two Ph.D. programs conducted at ISAE-SUPAERO have provided new insights into the physical mechanism which consists of extracting energy from wind gradients with the objective of transferring the strategy onto fixed-wing drones. A potential range gain of 40% for a given drone has been identified and this can be achieved by applying the flight strategies inspired from Albatrosses and other natural flyers.
The ambition of the ‘Drone Mermoz’ project is to combine different sources of energy in order to achieve a long-range flight with a 100% electrically powered drone. The challenge will consist of following the historical route taken by Jean Mermoz in 1930 between Dakar (Senegal) and Natal (Brazil). The total distance is about 3000 kilometers which proves impossible with a conventional battery-based electric drone.
The key technology to achieving such a long-range flight is based on fuel cells supplied by H3 Dynamics. Because fuel cells produce electricity from Hydrogen and only reject water into the atmosphere, Drone Mermoz will be a collaborative effort between H3 Dynamics and ISAE-SUPAERO to design, manufacture and fly the first 100% green drone to achieve such long distances. Using the best aircraft design strategies available, ISAE-SUPAERO will endeavour to design an optimized drone with a total mass of less than 25 kg to make an attempt at the record in 2021.
ISAE-SUPAERO’s commitment towards sustainable development
The ‘Drone Mermoz’ initiative is in line with ISAE-SUPAERO’s investment in innovative aeronautical and space technologies in a sustainable development perspective.
ISAE-SUPAERO is well aware of the environmental issues such as climate change and energy transition. It has embarked on a mission to raise awareness and the direction of research at ISAE-SUPAERO puts in place environment-conscious research programs thanks to technological innovations and eco-design of cleaner aircrafts.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201123005792/en/
Contact information
Leïla Colaud
leila.c@oxygen-rp.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
FIFA World Cup™ Fans Embrace Referee View as Lenovo AI Brings Viewers Closer to the Pitch9.7.2026 07:00:00 EEST | Press release
New international research from Lenovo reveals that technological advancements are fundamentally changing how fans experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™, making viewers feel closer to the action than ever before. According to a survey of football fans across Australia, Canada, India, U.K., U.S., 87% say technology is improving their viewing experience, and 84% report the close-to-action camera perspectives help them feel like they're right there on the pitch. Accelerating this unprecedented view of the game is Referee View, powered by Lenovo AI that gives viewers a first-person look at the match from the referee’s point of view. The research further found: Over three-quarters (76%) of FIFA World Cup™ viewers have seen or heard about Referee View, and 91% say the close-to-action perspective is appealing. 88% say that smooth, stable footage is an important part of viewing sports footage, and nearly all fans (98%) say clear picture quality has been important when watching this FIFA World Cu
Empire State Building Observation Deck Launches Exclusive Soccer Jersey Ticket Offer for Sports Fans in July9.7.2026 01:37:00 EEST | Press release
The Empire State Building Observation Deck (ESBOD) today announced a new, exclusive ticket offer for soccer fans who don their favorite team’s duds at the “World’s Most Famous Building” in anticipation of the tournament final. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260708711923/en/ Empire State Building Observation Deck Launches Exclusive Soccer Jersey Ticket Offer for Sports Fans in July Guests who plan to wear their soccer jersey to the Empire State Building Observation Deck can purchase tickets online for 15 percent off to enjoy the immersive museum experience and New York City’s best views from the 86th and 102nd Floor Observation Decks. The limited-time offer is available only to guests who wear their soccer jersey on the day of their visit from now through July 31. “Whether they rep their favorite country’s jersey or the shirt from their hometown heroes, guests can celebrate their teams with prime views of the
New Esri Press Book Shows That GIS Can Transform the Entire Campus, Starting at the Classroom9.7.2026 00:33:00 EEST | Press release
Esri has released The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Education, a practical and accessible guide that demonstrates how geographic information system (GIS) technology can unify campuses academically and operationally. While GIS is often associated with disciplines such as geography, planning, and environmental studies, The Spatial Edge expands that view through real-world case examples. The book shows how spatial thinking can connect departments; strengthen decision-making; and help institutions address complex challenges across teaching, research, and campus operations. Designed for administrators, educators, and campus leaders, the guide highlights GIS being used across higher education to: Enhance teaching and student engagement Advance interdisciplinary research Improve campus planning and operations Strengthen community partnerships Prepare graduates with in-demand geospatial skills From the classroom to facilities management, The Spatial Edge ill
Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Announces Pricing of €850,000,000 4.500% Senior Notes Due 20338.7.2026 23:16:00 EEST | Press release
Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (NYSE: JEF) (“JFG”, “we” or “our”) today announced the pricing of its public offering of €850,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2033 (the “Notes”) with an effective yield of 4.544%, maturing, July 15, 2033. The offering is expected to settle on July 15, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Application is expected to be made for the Notes to be admitted to the Official List of the Irish Stock Exchange plc, trading as Euronext Dublin, and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin; any listing is subject to approval by Euronext Dublin. JFG intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes. Jefferies International Limited served as sole global co-ordinator and joint active book-runner for the offering of the Notes, Banco Santander, S.A., Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Natixis, SMBC Bank International plc and Société Générale served as joint act
KiddeFenwal Launches New Website and Information Hub8.7.2026 19:00:00 EEST | Press release
KiddeFenwal, the global leader in the fire suppression and safety controls industry, today unveiled a revitalized website, designed to serve as a comprehensive information hub for fire industry practitioners and customers alike. The modernized platform includes features created specifically with the company’s global partners, OEMs and distributors in mind, including: Accelerated asset navigation, pointing users to critical safety documentation, design parameters and product specifications; Seamless solution mapping, helping users quickly locate fire suppression configurations by industry, from data centers to BESS applications to commercial kitchens; and Enhanced resource access, including streamlined pathways to connect with the company’s elite distributor network across 120 countries. It also provides information about the company’s three brands, Kidde Fire Systems, Kidde Fire Protection and Fenwal Controls, replacing other sites serving customers in Europe and India. The launch of t
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom