News and Press Releases

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cellen H2, Inc. (Cellen) to explore the use of hydrogen fuel cell-powered Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System for commercial and civil operations across Oregon.

The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to assess and advance the operational feasibility of hydrogen-powered UAS platforms to support business-to-business logistics, critical medical deliveries, wide-area mapping and surveying, and search and rescue missions—particularly in rural and geographically diverse regions of the state.

“Oregon's landscape and distance between communities require innovative approaches to connectivity and service delivery," said Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “This partnership allows us to evaluate how hydrogen-powered aircraft systems can support long-range missions safely, efficiently, and with zero emissions."

Advanced Hydrogen Technology for Extended Missions

Cellen is a US-based aerospace company specializing in design and manufacture of hydrogen fuel cell-powered unmanned aircraft systems designed for extended endurance operations. Its platforms are capable of flights exceeding two hours while carrying payloads up to 10 pounds. The systems are designed to be NDAA compliant, produce low vibration and noise, and operate with no in-flight emissions using modular hydrogen refueling technology.

“Working with the Oregon Department of Aviation to explore real-world hydrogen-powered UAS missions is an important step in proving what this technology can do for communities," said Roberto Yelin, CEO and Co-Founder, Cellen.  “With H2-6, our goal is to enable operators to fly farther, for longer, and carry more capable payloads in support of critical services—while helping states like Oregon move toward more sustainable aviation."

The collaboration will allow ODAV and Cellen H2 to evaluate how these capabilities could support Oregon's commercial operators, emergency response agencies, and industry partners seeking long-range, sustainable UAS solutions.

Scope of the Partnership

Under the MOU, ODAV and Cellen H2 will work together on:

• Research, testing, and evaluation of hydrogen-powered BVLOS UAS platforms
• Joint field demonstrations and flight tests
• Engagement with Oregon communities and industry stakeholders
• Statewide UAS strategy planning and workforce pipeline development

The MOU is non-binding and does not authorize operational deployment or confer exclusivity. It establishes a cooperative framework for exploration and evaluation only. The agreement is effective for one year and may be extended by mutual agreement. No exchange of funds is contemplated under this MOU.

About the Oregon Department of Aviation

Established in 1921, the Oregon Department of Aviation was the first state aviation department in the nation. ODAV enables and advocates for a safe and efficient aviation system that connects communities and drives economic growth.

About Cellen

Cellen H2, Inc. is based in Houston, Texas, specializing in hydrogen fuel cell-powered UAS' designed for extended-endurance operations. Its H2-6 platform is capable of flights exceeding two hours while carrying payloads up to 10 pounds whilst remaining within FAA Part 107 compliance. The system is NDAA compliant, produces low vibration, heat signature, and noise, and operate with no in-flight emissions using modular hydrogen refueling technology.

Media Contact:

Kenji Sugahara, Director
Oregon Department of Aviation
Kenji.SUGAHARA@odav.oregon.gov

Neil Fry, VP Strategy
Cellen H2, Inc
neil@cellenh2.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilfry/