Campaign Showcases the Aircraft’s Solar Flight Endurance

The Skydweller Aero US has successfully completed its uncrewed autonomous flight test campaign. This included several endurance tests, with the longest lasting 16 hours and 22.5 hours. They were launched from Skydweller Aero’s facility at Stennis International Airport (HSA) in Kiln, Mississippi.

“This flight test campaign is an important achievement and validates our business vision, marking a new era in autonomous aviation,” stated Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “Skydweller Aero is redefining what is possible in the aerospace industry, and the data gathered that validates our models for multi-day fights is a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation.”

The flight test campaign was opened under a Joint Concept Technology Demonstration (JCTD) from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD R&E). It was upheld by a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), aiming to study the capabilities of autonomous maritime patrol aircraft.

The Skydweller Aero UAS is a representation of extreme flight endurance, demonstrating the potential to stay airborne for weeks or months on solar energy and batteries. Skydweller customers intend to use the UAS for domain awareness, surveillance, reconnaissance, and emergency services.

The aircraft imposes zero carbon and noise emissions, and is capable of BLOS missions and communications. It has a carbon fiber construction and a wingspan equal to the 747’s, able to support up to 800 pounds of payload.

Barry Matsumori, President and COO of Skydweller Aero, stated: “We have accomplished a major milestone toward demonstrating the feasibility of perpetual flight by leveraging the trillions of dollars in global research and development investment in solar energy, battery storage, and the handling and manufacturing of extremely strong, ultra-lightweight carbon fiber assemblies. As these subsystems improve, we will continue to leverage them for the benefit of our customers.”

FMI: www.skydweller.aero