Matthew BoyleSkydweller Aero has successfully completed the first set of automatic flight tests for its solar-powered Skydweller Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), marking a major step toward extreme flight endurance. Conducted at Stennis International Airport, the tests featured two extended flights lasting 16 and 22.5 hours, demonstrating the aircraft’s ability to remain airborne for long durations using only renewable energy and battery power. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense through a Cooperative Research Development Agreement (CRADA), this campaign validates the potential of the autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA) and highlights the reliability of Skydweller’s advanced automatic vehicle management system. The aircraft’s solar-powered operation ensures zero carbon emissions, making it ideal for sustainable, long-endurance missions. Dr. Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller Aero, emphasized that the flight data supports their vision of pushing the boundaries of autonomous aviation, bringing them closer to achieving perpetual flight. This milestone is a testament to the use of cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy and ultralight materials, positioning Skydweller Aero at the forefront of unmanned aviation innovation.
Skydweller Aero Achieves Milestone with Successful Long-Endurance Unmanned Flight Tests
The first set of automatic flight tests for its Skydweller Unmanned Aerial System have been properly completed by Skydweller Aero. The uncrewed tests, which included two lengthy flights lasting 16 and 22.5 hours between, were conducted from the company’s facility at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi.
This flight campaign highlights the aircraft’s ability to remain airborne for extended periods of time, possibly weeks or months, using merely renewable energy and battery power, which is a further step in the direction of extreme flight endurance. It marks a significant milestone in the development of the Skydweller aircraft’s very trustworthy automatic vehicle management system.
The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSDE) supported the campaign by a Cooperative Research Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) to evaluate the potential of autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA).
Skydweller Aero Leaders Celebrate Breakthrough in Solar-Powered, Autonomous Aviation
Dr. Robert Miller, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Skydweller Aero, said:” This flight test campaign is an important achievement and validates our business vision, marking a new era in autonomous aviation. The data collected to validate our models for multi-day fights is a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation. Skydweller Aero is redefining what is feasible in the aerospace industry. We are eager to keep pushing the limits of what unmanned solar-powered aircraft can accomplish, and we will continue to pursue our goal of providing permanent flight to the world.
By utilizing the trillions of dollars in global research and development investments in renewable energy, battery storage, and the handing and manufacturing of really strong, ultralight carbon fiber assemblies, we have reached a significant milestone toward demonstrating the viability of eternal flight. As these subsystems improve, we will continue to leverage them for the benefit of our customers”, added Barry Matsumori, President Chief Operating Officer of Skydweller Aero.
Important highlights of the flight include:
- Uncrewed intelligent operation: The Skydweller aircraft successfully flew for a number of long-duration missions, operating independently at a high speed, and demonstrating its suitability for missions with extreme endurance.
- Solar-powered flight: Powered by solar energy, the aircraft operates with zero carbon emissions and extremely low noise levels
- Highly dependable automatic systems: The flight tests validated Skydweller’s totally useless automatic systems and demonstrated its capabilities in beyond-line-of-sight operations and communication
Skydweller Aero Sets New Standard in Solar-Powered Aviation
Skydweller Aero’s successful completion of the first automatic flight tests for its solar-powered Unmanned Aerial System marks a significant milestone in autonomous aviation. The extended flights of 16 and 22.5 hours validate the aircraft’s ability to achieve long-endurance missions using renewable energy and advanced vehicle management systems. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, this achievement showcases the reliability of Skydweller’s technology and its potential for zero-emission, sustainable operations. As the company continues to innovate, Skydweller Aero is moving closer to realizing the vision of perpetual flight, redefining the future of unmanned aviation.
