Li-S Energy partners with Kea Aerospace for multi-month UAV flights

Li-S Energy and Kea Aerospace signed a collaboration agreement on Tuesday at the Avalon International Airshow to integrate lithium sulfur battery technology into high altitude UAVs.

The partnership aims to significantly enhance flight endurance and operational efficiency of Kea’s stratospheric aircraft, which operate between 55,000 and 65,000 feet.

Kea’s solar-powered ATMOS aircraft functions as a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft, collecting high-resolution aerial imagery for applications including maritime awareness and environmental monitoring.

Initial testing will incorporate Li-S Energy’s ultra-light lithium sulfur battery cells and BMS technology into a Kea battery pack design, with ground testing expected this year followed by flight testing.

The program will first demonstrate the technology in the 12.5 metre wingspan ATMOS Mk1 aircraft before integration into the ATMOS Mk2 design, which aims for continuous flight lasting several months.

“Our initial focus on the drone, defence and electric aviation markets is producing incredible opportunities for Li-S Energy. The stratospheric UAV market is a key sector of interest with enormous commercial potential,” said Dr Lee Finniear, Li-S Energy CEO.

Dr Mark Rocket, Kea’s CEO, noted the significance of Li-S technology, which offers more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries: “The successful integration of Li-S battery technology into our ATMOS UAVs would give us an incredible competitive advantage in an industry where the commercial applications are vast.”

Picture: credit Li-S Energy