Hydroplane today announced it has been awarded a Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the U.S. Army to advance development of its hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion system for helicopters and cargo drones. Building on its success as a winner of the U.S. Army xTech 8 program and the successful completion of its Phase 1 SBIR contract, Hydroplane is positioned to deliver next-generation propulsion solutions for Army aviation and unmanned cargo platforms.

The Phase 2 effort will focus on scaling and integrating Hydroplane’s propulsion technology to enable operational deployment in vertical lift platforms. Hydroplane’s approach provides significant advantages over conventional propulsion systems. The electric drivetrain offers higher efficiency and supports energy resilience by reducing reliance on traditional fuel logistics. The system also reduces noise and thermal detectability, enhancing operational stealth, and improving warfighter survivability and mission effectiveness.

“Hydroplane is honored to continue supporting the U.S. Army in advancing next-generation propulsion technologies,” said Dr. Anita Sengupta, Founder and CEO. “This Phase 2 award highlights how small business innovation can drive rapid, cost-effective deployment of cutting-edge solutions that directly enhance mission capability and operational success.”

Hydroplane’s hydrogen-electric propulsion platform represents a critical step toward more sustainable, resilient, and high-performance aviation systems tailored to the evolving needs of modern defense operations.