Zephyr, solar spy plane, made a new record of staying in air for 82 hours

[Jeffrey]

A British-built solar-powered spy plane, Zephyr, has set an unofficial record on a test demonstration for the United States military by staying in the air for 82 hours (three-and-a-half days). The Zephyr used solar power during the day and rechargeable batteries at night to beat the world record for the longest duration unmanned flight.

Defence company Qinetiq said that the plane flew on autopilot for 82 hours 37 minutes, exceeding the current official world record for unmanned flight which stands at 30 hrs 24 mins set by Global Hawk in 2001 and Zephyr's previous longest flight of 54 hours, achieved last year.

But a spokesman said the record was unofficial because the firm did not set out to fulfill necessary criteria to make it official.

The Zephyr is a high-altitude long-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It completed the test flight at the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Zephyr is an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre aircraft that flies on auto-pilot, according to Qinetiq.

During daytime, it uses solar power generated by amorphous silicon solar panels no thicker than sheets of paper that cover the aircraft's wings. While at night, it is powered by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries, which are recharged during the day using solar power.

Qinetiq plans to continue developing the Zephyr over the next year to enable it to remain aloft for months at a time.

[Dutta]

I think its best for military use. I am eager to see the video of that plane. Can anybody provide me the link?

Thanks in advance.