In tests jointly conducted by Skydweller Aero and the U.S. Navy, the solar-powered Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle successfully completed a total nine-day flight series, including a record 73 hours of uninterrupted flight.
During the tests carried out by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the UAV remained airborne for approximately 220 hours. The longest continuous flight time was recorded as three days, made possible by charging batteries with solar panels during the day and using uninterrupted power at night.
Rear Admiral Todd Evans, Commander of NAWCAD, stated, “This achievement demonstrates our technical proficiency and the capability of our industry partnerships to meet fleet requirements.”
Constructed from carbon fiber with a wingspan comparable to a 747 aircraft, the Skydweller can stay aloft for 30 to 90 days without landing. The UAV can reach altitudes up to 45,000 feet, operating at high altitude during the day and lower altitudes at night.
The project was initiated in 2020 to support the U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) border security and drug interdiction efforts. Additional testing will be conducted this summer in the SOUTHCOM area.
