“Eternal” Solar Power Plane Breaks Record for Continuous Unmanned Flight

While the Solar Impulse jumps hurdles and breaks records for manned solar-powered flight, a different plane altogether is setting similar marks for unmanned flight. The Zephyr is in the midst of attempting a 14-day continuous high-altitude flight powered only by solar panels integrated into the plane’s facade. Already, the Zephyr has set a new record for continuous solar flight at seven days (168 hours), more than doubling its own previous record. The goal? To prove that the Zephyr is the world’s first “eternal plane” able to fly indefinitely without in-flight refueling.

The Zephyr is a solar drone built by QinetiQ, a leading defense technology and security company. The plane is currently flying over the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. It will fly for another week without any refueling except by the solar panels adorning its 22.5-meter (74 ft.) wingspan. The plane weighs only 50 kilograms (110 pounds).

The Zephyr is equipped with lithium-sulfur batteries that recharge by sunlight during the day and power the plane at night. Its light weight is made possible by a carbon fiber structure, and its solar electricity to operate the plane is harnessed using amorphous silicon solar cells lining the wings and tail. The plane is launched by hand.

Potential military uses for a plane like this are obvious, as drones are already in wide use for safe surveillance over enemy territory. The Zephyr allows this safety and observation, but without any time restrictions. Other more benign benefits revolve around science and communication. The plane could allow long-term, high-altitude observation of the earth and its ecosystems, allowing scientists valuable insight into how the Earth functions, as well as how to better protect it–something the Zephyr itself is doing by flying without fossil fuels.

The Zephyr will be showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, home of the plane’s creator, QinetiQ.

Via AutoMotto
Photo Credit: QinetiQ

Posted on July 19th in Solar News by Dan.