A Revolutionary Leap in Drone Technology

Get ready to be amazed by Skydweller Aero, a groundbreaking U.S. tech startup collaborating with Thales, a French defense giant. Together, they are creating a maritime surveillance drone that’s not only poised to outlast its competitors in the sky but also redefine what drones can achieve!

Endless Sky Time with Solar Power

Imagine a drone that can fly continuously for up to 90 days! Powered entirely by the sun, Skydweller harnesses energy from over 17,000 solar cells sprawled across a staggering 2,900 square feet of its wings. With a wingspan of 236 feet—25 feet longer than a Boeing 747—this marvel can generate up to 100 kilowatts of power under ideal conditions.

Nighttime Flight? No Problem!

During the day, Skydweller uses solar energy to keep flying and charge its onboard systems. With more than 1,400 pounds of batteries onboard, it can carry on through the night, maintaining almost uninterrupted flight. This versatility is a game changer for long-term aerial operations.

An Engineering Marvel: Lightweight Yet Powerful

Though it boasts a wingspan comparable to a commercial airliner, the Skydweller weighs a mere 2.5 metric tons—an astonishing 160 times lighter than a fully loaded 747! This allows it to achieve operational altitudes between 24,600 and 34,400 feet, climbing as high as 44,600 feet during sunny days.

Testing the Limits of Solar Flight

While the concept of solar-powered aircraft is not completely new, many past designs have grappled with serious structural challenges. Skydweller's engineering focuses on overcoming these issues, utilizing advanced software to counter unexpected turbulence, ensuring safety and reliability at medium altitudes.

Advanced Flight Control: A Safety Net for Long Missions

To make a 90-day flight possible, Skydweller is equipped with a cutting-edge quadruple-redundant flight control system. This ensures that if one system fails, a backup takes over seamlessly. Its self-healing algorithms can autonomously correct issues during flight, keeping operations smooth and safe.

The Future of Surveillance is Here!

Skydweller’s solar reliance does limit its operations in areas with poor sunlight, such as polar zones during winter. However, with the recent partnership with Thales to implement a specialized radar surveillance system, the team is gearing up for further flight tests. This innovative drone marks a significant leap forward in sustainable surveillance technology that could change the game for aerial monitoring.