Heven Drones Unveils Raider – A Silent, Long-Endurance UAV with 23 kg Payload at IDEX 2025
At IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Heven Drones introduced the Raider, a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-range, silent, and versatile operations. The Miami-based company, with its research and development hub in Afula, Israel, is known for its advanced hydrogen-fueled propulsion technology, and the Raider is its latest step forward in military drone capabilities. With an endurance of over 12 hours, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability, and a 23 kg payload capacity, this UAV is built to revolutionize battlefield logistics, reconnaissance, and tactical resupply missions.
A Modular UAV for Diverse Missions
The Raider stands out for its modular design, allowing it to be easily assembled and deployed. The 7-meter wingspan aircraft can be disassembled for transport and made flight-ready in under 15 minutes. Additionally, for operations in confined spaces, Heven Drones offers a 5.5-meter wingspan variant, which is optimized for take-offs and landings from smaller areas, such as naval vessels or remote outposts.
Built using carbon fiber composites, the Raider's airframe is lightweight yet robust, maximizing efficiency and durability while reducing overall mass. Its dual-fuselage design plays a critical role in balancing weight and aerodynamics, ensuring stable flight performance across various operational scenarios.
Innovative Hydrogen-Based Propulsion System
A key differentiator of the Raider is its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, which powers both its VTOL and cruise flight capabilities. The drone features:
- Two fuselage nacelles under the wings, each containing fuel cells, avionics, and hydrogen tanks.
- Four electric motors (two in each nacelle) that control the front and rear rotors, enabling VTOL operations.
- A main rear-mounted pushing propeller driven by an electric motor, ensuring long-range forward flight.
The Raider is fueled by a 1 kg hydrogen tank, enabling its 12+ hours of continuous flight. Unlike conventional combustion engines, its hydrogen-based system produces no emissions, minimal noise, and almost zero thermal signature, making it ideal for stealth operations.
However, finding liquid hydrogen in remote or battlefield locations can be challenging. To address this, Heven Drones provides a portable hydrogen refueling station, capable of producing 2 kg of hydrogen per day—enough to sustain 24/7 operational readiness.
Speed, Range, and Endurance
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 119 kg
- Maximum Speed: 72 km/h (20 m/s)
- Flight Endurance: 12+ hours
- Maximum Range: 350 km (depending on the installed datalink)
The UAV’s long endurance and significant range allow it to support tactical resupply missions, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations, and rapid-response deliveries.
Payload Capabilities and Mission Adaptability
The Raider's payload bay is designed for maximum versatility, located centrally between its twin fuselages. This bay measures approximately 1 meter wide and can accommodate various cargo containers tailored for different missions. These containers can be easily swapped without tools, allowing for rapid mission reconfiguration.
The UAV is capable of delivering payloads in two ways:
- Landing near troops for direct cargo offloading
- Airdropping supplies via parachute while in flight
This dual-delivery system ensures efficient resupply in both static and dynamic combat environments. The Raider’s advanced flight control system also compensates for sudden weight shifts when deploying payloads mid-air, maintaining flight stability and balance throughout the mission.
Performance in Extreme Environments
One of the Raider’s standout features is its all-weather operability. To ensure functionality in extreme conditions, Heven Drones has designed its dual-fuselage compartments to be internally heated, enabling operations in temperatures as low as -20°C. This makes it highly reliable for missions in arctic, mountainous, or high-altitude environments, where traditional UAVs might struggle.
Tactical and Strategic Applications
The Raider is being actively considered for military logistics, ISR, and precision resupply missions. It can deliver:
- Ammunition and explosives for frontline troops
- Medical supplies and humanitarian aid to disaster zones
- Fuel, food, and water to remote or isolated units
- Reconnaissance equipment for surveillance operations
Heven Drones is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense, particularly the Marine Corps, which has shown strong interest in integrating the Raider into its operational fleet.
Future Roadmap and Deployment Plans
Currently in its final development phase, the Raider will undergo comprehensive flight testing throughout 2025. Once these tests are completed, full-scale production and deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.
Bentzion Levinson, the CEO of Heven Drones, highlights the UAV’s cutting-edge automation, stability controls, and mission adaptability, positioning the Raider as a "flying robotic solution" rather than just another drone.
With silent operation, extended endurance, and modular payload capabilities, the Raider is set to redefine unmanned aerial logistics and tactical support missions in military and defense sectors worldwide.
