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Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL) was founded in 2019 by Adam Stolz, a seasoned aerospace engineer with a background in the U.S. Navy and General Electric Aviation. Drawing from his extensive experience in unmanned systems, Stolz established ZFL in Bingen, Washington, to develop lightweight, hydrogen-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones. The company focuses on creating modular, silent drones with long endurance, catering to both military and commercial applications.

In April 2025, ZFL was acquired by Heven Drones, a leading Israeli-American company headquartered in Miami, Florida, specializing in hydrogen-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This strategic acquisition aimed to enhance Heven’s capabilities in advanced drone technology, particularly in the development of modular and adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UASs). Founded in 2019 by Bentzion Levinson, Heven Drones focuses on creating drones with extended flight durations, low noise profiles, and zero carbon emissions. The integration of ZFL’s engineering expertise into Heven’s operations is expected to accelerate the development of next-generation drone technologies.

Shortly before the merger, Heven introduced their latest military-grade hydrogen drone model, Raider. “The Raider amplifies battlefield effectiveness by extending endurance, reducing logistical burdens, and adapting instantly to mission needs,” the company website states. “Hydrogen power enables longer operations, modular payloads ensure rapid role shifts, and AI-driven autonomy enhances real-time decision-making. Designed for dynamic combat environments, the Raider is the ultimate force multiplier.”

The collaboration is expected to expand both companies’ capabilities. As Mr. Stolz said, “Teaming up with Heven means we can accelerate what we’ve always aimed to do, push drone technology to the edge of what’s possible.” Further enhancing these capabilities, on August 7, 2025, ZFL reached another milestone with the opening of a new facility in downtown Bingen, just a short distance from the company’s headquarters. The facility is expected to benefit ZFL and Heven while bolstering Klickitat County as an emerging technology hub, increasing job opportunities, and creating a drone-centric atmosphere.

ZFL reports that investment in emerging drone technology contributed to 670 of the 920 new jobs in Klickitat County from 2015 to 2018 alone. The potential impact of ZFL’s new facility on the community was evident at the August 7 ribbon-cutting. Drone industry partners, state officials, community leaders, and members attended to celebrate the grand opening of the regional drone manufacturing hub. One of the highlights of the event was when attendees toured parts of the facility and got up close with ZFL’s Z1 Group 2 VTOL UAV.

The Z1 is a VTOL UAV that has been included on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS List. This list comprises drones that meet stringent cybersecurity and supply chain standards, ensuring they are suitable for military use. The Z1 is engineered for endurance, flexibility, and real-world impact. It has a modular payload integration and is built to serve across a range of mission objectives. From intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to disaster response and contested logistics, the Z1 is a true multitasker. Its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system enables over 10 hours of flight while producing zero emissions and operating almost silently. “Our customers don’t want to compromise between payload, altitude, and range,” said Jake Allen, Chief Engineer at ZFL, “they need a platform that delivers all three in a single, reliable package. That’s what the Z1 is designed to do.”

The new Bingen facility exemplifies this vision by providing a dedicated space for the design, production, and integration of advanced hydrogen-powered UAVs. It will allow engineers to rapidly test and deploy modular systems, refine payload configurations, and expand operational capabilities. “At Heven, we’re focused on solving real-world problems with next-generation technology. Our vision is to redefine what’s possible with hydrogen-powered, runway-independent drones, building platforms that adapt to mission needs without compromising on endurance or sustainability,” said Mr. Levinson. “This facility in Bingen represents a tangible step toward that future.”

With the new Bingen facility now operational, ZFL and Heven Drones are positioned to push the boundaries of hydrogen-powered UAV technology. The site not only strengthens local industry and workforce development but also serves as a hub for innovation, where cutting-edge drone systems can be designed, tested, and deployed. By combining modular engineering, long-endurance capabilities, and a focus on real-world applications, ZFL and Heven are setting a new standard for both commercial and defense drones. The Bingen expansion demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing technology that meets today’s challenges while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.

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