Heven AeroTech pitches hydrogen drones as platforms for airborne lasers

Heven AeroTech founder Ben Levinson says the company's hydrogen-powered drones could serve as carriers for airborne laser weapons sought by the Pentagon. The flagship Z1 is the first Blue UAS Select-certified hydrogen drone, offering 10–15 hours of flight and up to 500 km range; Heven raised $100 million Series B at a $1 billion valuation in December 2025.

• Z1 flies 10–15 hours and covers up to 500 km on hydrogen fuel cells
• Heven raised $100M Series B at a $1B valuation in December 2025
• The U.S. Air Force plans a laser technology demonstrator for airborne testing from FY2027
• Pentagon's SCADE roadmap envisions airborne laser platforms starting in 2030