Solar drone with jumbo jet wingspan broke a flight record—then it crashed
Summary
A solar-powered drone with a wingspan as wide as a jumbo jet flew for eight days but crashed into the sea. The drone was used by Skydweller Aero and the US Navy for testing long-lasting, uncrewed flights and maritime patrol missions.Key Facts
- The drone had a 236-foot (72-meter) wingspan similar to a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
- It was covered with over 17,000 solar cells and ran only on solar energy and batteries.
- Skydweller Aero modified the original Solar Impulse 2 plane to carry up to 800 pounds (363 kg) of cargo.
- The drone flew for eight days starting April 26 before crashing into the sea near Cancun, Mexico.
- It participated in the US Navy’s Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) exercises testing AI and drone technology for maritime patrols.
- During the Navy tests, the drone used radar, camera imaging, and acted as a communications hub.
- The drone supported tracking and targeting operations related to drug interdiction near Florida and the Caribbean.
- Severe weather with extreme air movements contributed to the drone running out of energy and crashing.
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