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QinetiQ engineers launch the company's 'Zephyr' solar- and battery-powered aircraft from the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., on July 28 for a flight that ended on July 31, 82 hours 37 minutes later. The aircraft flew over the Sonora Desert, at an altitude of more than 60,000 feet. British company QinetiQ claims the flight set a new unofficial world record for unmanned flight, breaking the official world record by more than 50 hours.
(Image credit: QinetiQ)
The Zephyr solar plane has sailed to what may be a record for sun-powered unmanned flight. The 66-pound craft was aloft for 83 hours and 7 minutes. The plane makes use of ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber to save on weight. It flies on solar power generated by paper-thin silicon solar arrays on its wings.
The Zephyr solar-powered plane is able to fly autonomously, using GPS to keep on track. Launched by hand, Zephyr charges its batteries during the day for night flying. Initially, the plane was flown remotely to an altitude of 60,000 feet; the plane was able to fly by itself for the remaining time.
