The E455

Introducing the E455.

A fully autonomous fixed-wing VTOL drone with multiple power configurations and a heavier payload.

The E455 is our largest fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing drone. It carries 5 pounds of payload over 2.5 hours while staying under 55lbs total weight. Where allowed, the E455 can fly at up to 65 pounds takeoff weight, carrying 15 pounds of useful payload. It uses a removable payload bay with open architecture at the center of gravity to allow maximum utility. Event 38 designs and builds the E455 in house, maintaining maximum control and flexibility over both the hardware and software. The E455 is NDAA 848 compliant.

More, larger payload options with a 15-pound carrying capacity.

The E455 can carry up to 15 pounds or 7 kilograms. This carrying capacity means your E455 can fly with a variety of payloads, including:

High-resolution EO/IR sensor for streaming live video.
Specialized hyperspectral cameras.
LiDAR sensors and scanners.
Magnetometers and other specialty sensors.
Goods and cargo.

We can customize the E455 to carry a specialized payload that integrates with the autopilot. We can also integrate a GPS receiver so that all your data is tagged with accurate-to-the-centimeter GPS data.

The history of the E455: Designed to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

The E455, originally the E450, is the result of a research partnership between Event 38 Unmanned Systems, the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), and a university team. The partnership members collaborated to explore integrating a hydrogen fuel cell with a VTOL fixed-wing drone.

There are a few specific benefits to utilizing hydrogen power. In highly sensitive situations, the success of an effective surveillance and reconnaissance mission might rely on a stealth approach. Unmanned aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells are very quiet, so you can gather aerial intel without being detected. Additionally, a drone powered by a hydrogen fuel cell has better endurance than a solely battery-powered drone.

Fuel cells have a relatively low power output compared to a battery or other power source. A fuel cell alone wouldn’t be enough to power take-off and landing. The research team developed an electrical power distribution model that integrates and balances battery and hydrogen power sources to capitalize on the benefits of both. The result is a fixed-wing drone that is primarily powered by hydrogen fuel cell, with a battery pack to power the take-off and landing sequences.

Custom fuel and power options to meet your needs.

The E455 is available now with battery power. For long endurance configurations using a gas engine or hydrogen fuel cell, please contact our sales team.

Made in the United States.

The E455 is designed by Event 38 and manufactured at our headquarters in Richfield, Ohio. Full control over the design and manufacturing process allows us to make customizations and to guarantee replacement part availability for years to come.

Next Steps

Contact us to discuss your application and payload needs. We are able to offer demonstration flights in certain cases depending on your schedule and location.

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2.5+ Hours Endurance

Durable Carbon Fiber Frame Built in the USA

5 to 15 lbs Payload