Beihang's hydrogen-powered drone sets new world record with 188 km nonstop flight
The Tianmushan-1 hydrogen-powered multi-rotor drone, developed by the Tianmushan Laboratory at Beihang University, has achieved a nonstop flight of more than 188 kilometers, setting a new world record for hydrogen fuel cell-powered drones.
With a wheelbase of 1.6 meters and a weight of about 19 kilograms, Tianmushan-1 is the world's first hydrogen-powered multi-rotor UAV capable of flying beyond 100 kilometers. The drone successfully completed its maiden flight in August 2024 and entered mass production in April 2025. It is expected to be widely used in inspection, logistics, rescue, and mapping applications.
Xu Weiqiang, chief designer and professor at Beihang's School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, explained that most lithium battery drones on the market can only fly for about 30 minutes with a radius of just a few kilometers. In contrast, Tianmushan-1's hydrogen power system offers higher energy conversion efficiency, greatly extending flight time under the same weight conditions.
The drone has also been tested in extreme environments. It flew continuously for more than 100 minutes at -40°C (-40°F) and carried out simulated ground payload flights for over two hours in harsh terrain. For safety, it integrates a parachute system that automatically deploys in case of accidents, reducing crash risks.
This record-setting flight was officially monitored and reviewed, confirming the stability of the drone's power system and its excellent handling performance. Looking ahead, Tianmushan-1 is expected to play a role in ecological inspections, oil and gas pipeline monitoring, new energy power station maintenance, island transportation, urban traffic management, and emergency rescue.
Beihang University, formerly known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, was founded in 1952 and is one of China's leading institutions in aerospace engineering and technology. The university has played a central role in China's aviation and space programs, contributing to aircraft design, satellite development, and UAV innovation. Its Tianmushan Laboratory focuses on hydrogen energy applications and advanced drone technologies, positioning Beihang as a pioneer in sustainable aviation research.
