Zephyr – Solar powered unmanned aircraft to break flying record

Solar powered wings have had their share of test runs before, with the Solar Impulse proving to the world just how useful those rays from the ever-shining and energy spouting sun are. Anyways, it’s an un-manned aircraft that has had its test run, powered by solar energy. The Zephyr, QinetiQ’s solar-powered baby is a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE), Unmanned Air System (UAS), setting a landmark unmanned flight duration record previously set at 30 hours 24 minutes in 2001 by Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4A Global Hawk. The Zephyr is much ahead, with an unofficial flying record of 82 hours. The plane with a wingspan of 22.5m will now have FIA officials with their clipboards scrutinizing its flight as it officially breaks the record.

The plane has to land safely to set the record. A crashing and burning ball of flame from the sky doesn’t usually find its place in record books. The plane uses a sheet of silicon solar arrays on its wings that juice up the lithium-sulfur batteries, powering it up. Three cheers for the Zephyr!
[gizmag]