Skydweller solar-powered aircraft achieves first autonomous flight
Skydweller Aero has seen interest from Five Eyes and NATO countries. (Photo: Skydweller Aero)
Skydweller Aero's solar-powered solution completed its first fully autonomous flight and is being offered for military intelligence use.
Last month, Skydweller, a large solar-powered UAV, made its first fully autonomous flight.
The aircraft can stay aloft for months or more than a year and is being offered as a concept for military intelligence applications.
Speaking to Shephard, Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller said: ‘We are a 365-day-a-year aircraft and can carry up to 800lb, depending on the time of year and latitude.
‘We supply, on average, 2 kilowatts over the course of a 24-hour day. We will use the same sensors that are flying on MQ-1C, MQ-9, King Air and PC-12 platforms.’
The solar-powered aircraft can
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
-
![IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025]()
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025
While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
-
![IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment]()
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment
AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
