According to the drone firm, the Raybird variant was modified to accommodate a new fuel system and to distribute weight for larger hydrogen fuel tanks. The electric propulsion version has a key advantage: its lower heat signature makes it particularly well-suited to reconnaissance missions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Skyeton\u2019s \u2018completely redesigned\u2019 Raybird<\/strong><\/p>\n The standard Raybird, which runs on an internal combustion engine (ICE), allows for a flight endurance of over 28 hours, Skyeton explained in a\u00a0press statement<\/a>. The firm noted that the hybrid version used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces has a shorter endurance of 12 hours, though it is working to increase this to 20 hours.<\/p>\n \u201cBy utilizing hydrogen-electric propulsion, the platform offers enhanced operational efficiency and environmental benefits for both defense and civilian applications,\u201d Skyeton said in the statement.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have converted two years of laboratory testing into a new aircraft concept: it is the same class and weight, but a completely redesigned concept based on electric propulsion,\u201d added Skyeton CEO Roman Knyazhenko.<\/p>\n During those two years of R&D, Skyeton claims to have resolved issues related to climate resilience, hydrogen permeability, and infrastructure and logistics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The modified Raybird uses\u00a0hydrogen<\/a>\u00a0to generate electricity, which powers electric motors for thrust. Hydrogen is supplied via interchangeable cartridges. The drone has a cruising speed of 68 mph (110 km\/h). It has a takeoff weight of 51 lb (23 kg), a wingspan of 15 ft (4.7 m), and a payload capacity of roughly 22 lb (10 kg). The hybrid version specifically is quieter than its ICE counterpart. It also has a lower heat signature, as well as a higher operational altitude range.<\/p>\n The hybrid Raybird\u2019s \u2018negligible thermal signature\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image_490832.jpg\")