Solar-powered aircraft sets endurance record
A solar-powered aircraft developed by the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has flown from Zurich to London, setting a world record.
The 2.6-kilogram autonomously controlled Sky-Sailor flew more than 27 hours to complete the 874.4 kilometre journey at an altitude of between 200 and 400 metres.
It was not the first aircraft of its kind to fly more than 24 hours, researchers said, but was the first to do so without using thermal winds or altitude gain before nightfall.
On the craft’s 3.2-metre wingspan are 216 silicone solar cells able to deliver up to 90 watts of power during peak sunlight. The power consumption of the aeroplane is 16 watts at level flight.
The goal of the project is to eventually develop an aircraft to fly months-long reconnaissance missions over Mars, said André Noth, the Sky-Sailor’s project manager.
The next phase of the project will be to develop a similar aircraft that flies at 13,000 metres – conditions more comparable to Mars.
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