Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - Solar electric unmanned plane sets record: 83 hrs aloft

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Solar electric unmanned plane sets record: 83 hrs aloft

http://i.newsvine.com/_vine/images/a...32ac1bb029.jpg

Quote:

An ultra-lightweight plane built from carbon fiber and powered using paper-thin solar panels has broken the world record for longest-lasting unmanned flight, its manufacturer claimed Sunday.

QinetiQ Group PLC said its propeller-driven "Zephyr" aircraft flew for 83 hours and 37 minutes, more than doubling the official world record set by Northrop Grumman's "Global Hawk" in 2001.

The plane weighs a featherlight 66 pounds / 30 kilograms and reached an altitude of of more 60,000 feet (18,000 meters).

The panels charged lithium batteries during the day for night operation.

Source: Newsvine - QinetiQ says it has broken unmanned flight record

QinetiQ Home, inspired solutions for a changing world

Nice :thumbup: Looks like an exceptionally fun project :)

I think so too.

I wonder if they "pulsed" during the day up to the highest possible altitude & bled it back at night while running off the batteries.