QinetiQ has broken several world records as of recent all thanks to its Zephyr UAV. The plane has stayed in the air for over 2 weeks straight. The Zephyr is an ultra light weight, carbon fibre, solar powered aircraft capable of sustaining flight at 58,000 feet for long periods of time. The craft only weighs 30Kg, and is launched by hand.
Paul Davey, Zephyr business development director at QinetiQ, said: “The possibilities suggested by unmanned flight are truly exciting and with these trials Zephyr has secured its place in the history of UAV development. Both flights were achieved in the face of thunderstorms and debilitating heat in the hostile environment of the New Mexico high desert in the summertime. They have proved that an autonomous UAV can be operated on solar-electric power for the duration required to support persistent military operations.”
I don't like the implications of the word persistent, but great job QinetiQ.
Dig