Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL), based in Washington, has achieved a significant milestone with its Z1 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen-powered drone successfully completed a vertical liftoff at its maximum takeoff weight and soared to an impressive height of 12,000 feet, setting a new record for testing ability. The achievement demonstrates the Z1's capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, disaster relief, and supply transport missions. The drone's hydrogen propulsion system provides advantages in terms of acoustic and thermal stealth, zero-emission operation, and sustained loiter capabilities crucial for high-altitude operations. The successful test flight aligns with a policy directive signed by the US Secretary of Defense to expedite the utilization of domestically produced UAVs, underscoring the growing importance of hydrogen-powered drone technology in defense applications. Zepher Flight Labs, in collaboration with Mach Industries, is focused on expanding domestic production and enhancing supply chain resilience to further advance the development of next-generation drones designed for diverse tasks in challenging environments.