The Syfy Online NetworkSCI FI WireDVICEFidgit

We love technology. We want to know about it, write about it, and shake it till it breaks. Part of the Syfy Network, DVICE has a worldwide team of writers who constantly immerse themselves in the tech world, distilling the sometimes-excessive information out there to bring you only what you need to know.

Video
 

Related Sections: Future Tech  Green Tech

Solar-powered Zephyr plane beats unmanned flight record

zephyr_solarplane.jpg

The delicate aircraft you see here just broke a world record for the longest-lasting unmanned flight. It stayed aloft for 83 hours, 37 minutes, charging up its lithium-sulfur batteries with its solar panels during the day, allowing it to cruising 24/7 at an altitude of 60,000 feet.

This 66-pound plane was hand-launched by the guys you see here, and was controlled by an autopilot guided by GPS for the 3.5-day flight. You won’t be booking any tickets on such an aircraft anytime soon — the military hopes to use these things as surveillance platforms, powered by the sun and flying indefinitely.

Via Associated Press

 
Send-A-Friend
(2) COMMENTS

saravanan:
i need t full detailas about the solar plane.....More »


Comments

By GermanCrazyGoat at 3:39 PM ON 07/22/09

Far out. I love solar n-ergy and automatic planes! Good concept, real easy to get some sun bcuz its in the sky. A major accomplishment!

By saravanan at 2:36 AM ON 10/28/09

i need t full detailas about the solar plane..


Leave a Comment


Type the characters you see in the picture above.

(Please be patient, it may take a moment for your comment to appear.)

DVICE continues below
Get the latest tech news
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
DVICE on your iPhone
Follow DVICE on Twitter
Editor: Peter Pachal
editor@dvice.com
©2009, Syfy. All rights reserved.