FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hydroplane Awarded Phase 2 SBIR Contract to Advance Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Propulsion for Army Aviation
Los Angeles, CA (April 2nd, 2026) — 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.
About Hydroplane
Founded by former NASA engineer Dr. Anita Sengupta, Hydroplane Ltd. is an advanced powerplant developer focused on energy-resilient propulsion and power systems for energy and aerospace applications. The company is developing a modular hydrogen fuel cell powerplant architecture designed for aviation electric propulsion, mobile power generation, and auxiliary power applications across crewed, uncrewed, and robotic platforms.
Built by a team of space program–trained engineers, Hydroplane’s technology is engineered for scalability, low acoustic signature, and mission adaptability. Hydroplane is a winner of the U.S. Army xTechSearch 8 competition, finalist in Army xTech Humanoid, and has successfully executed Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force.
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Contact:
Jen Boyer
Flying Penguin Communications
206-250-3209
Social Media:
@HydroplaneAero
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