The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has created a prototype called the Hydrogen Small Unit Power (H-SUP) system, aimed at enhancing the stealth and readiness of Marine Corps units in expeditionary warfare.
The H-SUP is a mobile fuel cell electric generator that offers a higher energy-to-weight ratio than conventional batteries and emits less noise and heat than traditional combustion generators.
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NRL Principal Investigator Kevin Cronin said: “This is more than a power system. It’s a capability that supports distributed operations and extends mission range. That’s strategic value.
“Our investment today with the marines in low-signature power intends to shape the future of how marines fight – more independently, more efficiently, and with less logistical burden.”
NRL highlights that hydrogen use in critical applications can boost electrical efficiency and energy density, extend operational range, and minimise thermal and acoustic detection.
Furthermore, it can lead to decreased maintenance needs, potentially increasing the force’s lethality while lowering logistical support demands.
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By GlobalDataUS Marine Corps, Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O) Science and Technology analyst captain Joshua Ashley said: “H-SUP isn’t just innovative – it increases lethality by keeping us powered and hard to find. We ensure this technology meets the needs of marines on the ground – quiet, efficient, and reliable power that supports expeditionary operations.”
To mitigate risk and expedite the development of technology requirements, NRL is assessing the H-SUP in various operational environments to enhance endurance and autonomy for small units.
NRL said that field tests for the H-SUP were conducted at several locations including Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in July 2022; Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in February 2025; Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in March 2025; an Army event at Fort Polk with the 101st Airborne Division in May 2025; and most recently at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in May 2025.
Originally designed for uncrewed vehicles, the H-SUP’s fuel cell system has been developed through funding from the Office of Naval Research, Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Science and Technology Program, Naval Air Systems Command, and USMC Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O).
This development also involved collaboration with industry partners Northwest UAV and Noble Gas Systems.
“Warfighter feedback is a critical component of the technology development process and will be used to inform requirement definition and future research and development activities,” added Ashley.
