Naval Research Lab Tests Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Extended Military Unmanned Operations and Expeditionary Power
Key Insights
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrated advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology for military applications at Twentynine Palms on May 20, 2025.
Hydrogen power significantly extends the operational endurance of unmanned aircraft systems and reduces detection signatures for ground vehicles.
An Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle showcased 10-kilowatt power export capabilities, sufficient for high-energy weapon systems in demanding environments.
Domestic manufacturing advancements in fuel cell technology are enhancing U.S. energy independence and strategic capabilities for future conflicts.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), based in Washington, D.C., recently showcased the advanced capabilities of hydrogen power at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, on May 20, 2025. This demonstration highlighted hydrogen's potential to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and extend the limits of unmanned aircraft and ground systems, marking a pivotal step in integrating clean energy solutions into critical defense infrastructure.
The NRL's ongoing research focuses on innovative hydrogen applications for both naval and marine forces, aiming to improve system endurance and reduce logistical burdens. The demonstration specifically illustrated how hydrogen fuel cells can dramatically expand the operational window for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). "We have found that outfitting UAS systems with hydrogen fuel cells allowed us to operate those systems significantly longer than current UAS’," stated U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Ashley, a science and technology analyst with the Expeditionary Energy Office, Capabilities Development Directorate. This extended endurance is crucial for maintaining persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities over wider ranges.
Beyond aerial platforms, hydrogen technology offers a strategic advantage for ground systems. Captain Ashley noted that utilizing hydrogen power for small ground systems effectively reduces both thermal and audible signatures, thereby enhancing a warfighter’s ability to operate undetected in contested environments. During the demonstration, an Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) equipped with enhanced hydrogen storage and a hydrogen fuel cell was presented. This ULTV is capable of exporting 10 kilowatts of power, sufficient to operate high-energy-demand weapon systems, showcasing the versatility of hydrogen as a mobile power source.
Testing these sophisticated systems at MCAGCC’s challenging environment, characterized by extreme temperatures and arid conditions, provides rigorous validation of their performance limits and reliability. This real-world assessment is vital for proving the technology's readiness for widespread deployment. Justin McRoberts, program manager for the manufacturing and technology program at The Office of the Secretary of Defense, emphasized the significant progress in the field: "Fuel cell technology has come a long way since the 1980s. We have been able to figure out how to manufacture these capabilities and provide them in the United States which is an enormous improvement from where we were at."
The NRL remains committed to advancing this technology through sponsor-funded research projects, ensuring the continued success and competitive edge of U.S. naval forces in future conflicts. The advancements in hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing capabilities domestically are particularly significant, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and bolstering national energy security, a critical factor for both defense and broader clean energy initiatives.