Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Pushing the boundaries of where unmanned systems can go—and how far they can fly
Extending the Edge of Flight
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are increasingly relied upon for defense, commercial, and scientific missions in some of the world’s harshest environments. Yet, one of the most persistent operational challenges is battery performance in extreme temperatures, particularly the cold. Conventional lithium-ion batteries rapidly lose power and reliability as temperatures fall, limiting flight time, payload capacity, and mission success.
South 8 Technologies’ LiGas® battery cells address this gap with the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte, engineered to operate from –60 °C to +60 °C at full charge. For UAS platforms—whether multi-rotor, fixed wing, or high-altitude systems—this wide thermal operating window unlocks reliable performance where traditional batteries fail.
By maintaining energy delivery in conditions that ground conventional platforms, LiGas extends mission endurance, expands operational envelopes, and reduces risk in the most demanding environments.
Energy that performs at altitude—without heating or complexity.
Reliable Energy for Autonomous Applications in Extreme Conditions
Game Changing Benefits
LiGas cells deliver reliable cold-start capability and sustained performance in extreme cold—without bulky thermal systems. Offering 250+ Wh/kg energy density and inherent cell safety, LiGas cells enable longer flight times, faster field recharging, and mission assurance in harsh environments.
Unprecedented
Extreme Temperature Performance
Benefit
LiGas cells operate from -60 °C to +60 °C, charge and discharge
WHY IT MATTERS
This ensures critical autonomous systems remain fully operational in sub-zero conditions without the need for external heating or insulation, with the ability to charge during flight or in the field.
performancE METRICS
LiGas Cells vs. Liquid Electrolyte Cells
Top Tier Competitor Cell Comparison
South 8’s LiGas is a liquefied gas held under pressure, giving LiGas an ultra-low freezing point below –100 °C while Liquid Electrolyte weakens at 0 ˚C and freezes at -20 ˚C. This unique property ensures it stays fully functional even in the harshest of environments.
3.5 - 4.0 Ah 18650, Graphite or Graphite+Si / NMC811
U.S.-based production that enhances reliability and supply resilience
Domestic Advantage
LiGas cells are designed and manufactured in the United States to ensure high-quality and reliable battery supply now and in the future.
Assembled in
California
Benefit
LiGas cells are assembled in the U.S. and use a liquefied gas electrolyte supported by an established domestic gas supply chain.
WHY IT MATTERS
Strengthens national security and procurement resilience by ensuring
U.S.-based production and minimizing reliance on foreign battery materials.
Built for the evolving roles of unmanned systems
Engineered for New Demands
Designed for extreme-performance applications, our LiGas cells power advanced UAS systems that demand unmatched thermal stability, safety, and mission reliability.
Multi-Rotor
Extended endurance for ISR drones and high-altitude defense assets
operating in extreme cold. LiGas cells support long-duration missions
without bulky heaters or complex thermal management.
Fixed Wing
LiGas cells deliver extended flight times and reliable endurance for
long-range missions, even in freezing environments. Their wide thermal window reduces the need for complex heating systems, extending operational readiness.
High-Altitude Platforms (HALE & HAPS)
At stratospheric temperatures approaching –60 °C, LiGas cells maintain stable energy delivery for ultra-long-duration flights. This resilience enables persistent ISR and communications without the weight, parasitic energy loss, and complexity of thermal management systems, with the ability to charge below 0 °C during flight or in the field.
Multi-Rotor
Extended endurance for ISR drones and high-altitude defense assets operating in extreme cold. LiGas cells support long-duration missions without bulky heaters or complex thermal management.
Fixed Wing
LiGas cells deliver extended flight times and reliable endurance for long-range missions, even in freezing environments. Their wide thermal window reduces the need for complex heating systems, extending operational readiness.
High-Altitude Platforms (HALE & HAPS)
At stratospheric temperatures approaching –60 °C, LiGas cells maintain stable energy delivery for ultra-long-duration flights. This resilience enables persistent ISR and communications without the
weight, parasitic energy loss, and complexity of thermal management systems, with the ability to charge below 0 °C during flight or in the field.