Zephyr Solar UAV Claims Triple World Record

Solar power has been used to help a carbon-fibre Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) achieve a trio of new world records, according to its manufacturer.

The records have yet be formally recognised but potentially UK defence firm QinetiQ’s Zephyr aircraft has flown higher than any other comparable UAV design and for longer than every other UAV design.

The Zephyr’s (possible) record-breaking flight began on 9 July this year and was concluded on 23 July. It therefore lasted for a massive 336 hours and 22 minutes.

“We now await official FAI confirmation that we have met all necessary criteria”, Zephyr Programme Director Jon Saltmarsh explained in a QinetiQ press release issued on 24 August 2010. He added: “This is a tremendous achievement, earning Zephyr a well deserved place in the record books and setting a significant milestone in aviation history.”

Zephyr UAV Flight Records

The Zephyr UAV flight records potentially achieved are as follows:

• UAV flight duration: 336 hours and 22 minutes
• UAV flight duration for UAVs weighing between 50kg and 500kg: 336 hours and 22 minutes
• UAV flight altitude – 70,740 feet

The flight took place over Yuma and every component came under scrutiny from officials on the ground. It’s notable that – rather than fly clean – the Zephyr was equipped with a light payload.

Solar Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Zephyr is a hand-launched solar Unmanned Aerial Vehicle design that features extensive slim-profile and ultra hi-tech solar arrays across its 74 foot wingspan. These give it power to fly by day, but excess power is stored in batteries and this allows night operations to take place, too.

“We're delighted that Zephyr should soon enter the world record books as it is set to transform the delivery of current services such as communications, and lead to many new applications which are not possible or affordable by other mean”, chief designed for QinetiQ, Chris Kelleher, added in the 24/08 press release.

“We've now proved that this world-beating aircraft is capable of providing a cost effective, persistent surveillance and communications capability measured in terms of weeks, if not months.”

Zephyr UAV Image kindly provided by and copyright of QinetiQ

See also:

Solar Impulse Powers Up for Night Flight

Solar-Powered UAV Technology for US Military