Hycco, H3 Dynamics to form joint venture targeting long-range electric flight

H3 Dynamics (Toulouse), a French manufacturer of hydrogen-electric
hybrid systems for aerospace and defense, and Hycco (Toulouse), designer of a new generation of ultra-thin composite materials used in hydrogen fuel cell stacks, have announced a strategic alliance.

Under this agreement, the two companies are preparing the creation of a joint venture that will combine know-how, equipment and expertise to produce the world’s highest-performance hydrogen fuel cell stacks, meeting the strictest regulatory and operational requirements of aerospace and defense — sectors that are cornerstones of European sovereignty.

For civil aviation, the electrification of flight paves the way for the sector’s concrete decarbonization. Hydrogen-electric hybrid systems enables long-range flights for a wide variety of 100% electric aircraft: light aviation, VTOLs, helicopters, business jets, seaplanes, airships and, at a later stage, commercial aircraft.

At the same time, European armed forces aim to conduct long-range drone missions (air, sea, land); electric propulsion significantly reduces thermal and acoustic signatures. Through the integration of hydrogen technologies, a generation of 100% electric drones — small, lightweight, low-cost, scalable and rapidly deployable — will be able to carry out missions spanning hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.

Through this alliance, the French ecosystem is bridging the gap between deep-tech innovations born in France and international application markets. Already, H3 Dynamics is initiating a broad movement that brings together leading players to design, improve and industrialize high-performance, certifiable aerospace equipment. The company is also developing downstream partnerships in light aerial, ground and maritime robotics.