South Africa developed UAV wins AVI award

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed for environmental research and surveying, will become the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft fully developed in South Africa, Allafrica reports.
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The prototype aircraft, developed by pilot and entrepreneur Mark van Wyk, won first prize at the AVI Awards last month.
 
The aircraft shows the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology to bring clean power to South Africa.
 
 “The system is completely toxicant-free. In the future our company wishes to further develop the technology to a level where it can also power manned aircraft,” explained Van Wyk.
 
With the UAV, South African researchers will potentially be able to gather important Earth observation data to improve land-use, planning and environmental management.