US-based Skydweller Aero’s autonomous solar-powered drone has completed a three-day solar powered flight over the Gulf of Mexico, its longest continuous flight yet.
The test flight was conducted in partnership with the US Navy and demonstrated the drone’s potential for use in long-duration ocean patrols, said Skydweller Aero. The aircraft is designed to remain aloft for up to 90 days and be used for missions such as patrolling airspace, monitoring naval activity and detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea.
The all-carbon fiber aircraft has a wingspan of 72m (236ft), greater than a 747’s, and weighs about 2,550kg (5,620 lbs).
During the 72-hour mission, the Skydweller aircraft used only solar energy, operated autonomously under human supervision, and securely transmitted imagery and data from above the open ocean.
RuthAnne Darling, director of the USA’s Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Innovation Office, which sponsors the company, said, “This is the first time Skydweller’s solar-electric aircraft has flown continuously through a full diurnal cycle of sunshine and darkness, showing their energy budget closes under real-world conditions. This was an important step to show that month-long operational flights are possible in reality – not just in modeling.”
The Oklahoma City, USA-based Skydweller, which also has offices in Spain bought the Solar Impulse 2 aircraft in 2019 to convert it into an unmanned autonomous drone. Solar Impulse 2 aircraft achieved the world record for the longest non-stop solo flight in 2015 and holds the record for the longest continuous renewably powered flight.
After modifying the aircraft, Solar Impulse 2 flew as Skydweller for the first time in November 2020 and flew autonomously for the first time in February 2023.
