Student-Built Feng Ru 3-100 Logged Almost 81 Hours Aloft

A Chinese student team broke another world record in UAV development again, when their custom built carbon fiber aircraft stayed airborne for 80 hours, 46 minutes, and 35 seconds. Their Feng Ru 3-100 took the honor for the U-1 class UAV, a category of drones powered by ICE or jet engines from 55lb to 220lb. 

Their flight took place on May 18, 2021 when they successfully launched the aircraft from the supporting rack of a small sedan, sending the aircraft on to its flight path without the increased fuel burn an unsupported takeoff would require. The Feng has a wingspan of 32 feet, and at full fuel load weights 120lb, with a simulated payload of almost 7 lbs. Named after Feng Ru, the father of Chinese aviation, the aircraft was taken to the international flight competition in San Francisco, California to represent its homeland. 

The student team broke the same record in 2019, when a second generation of the Feng Ru flew over 30 hours. Their success then attracted new talent, increasing the size of the Beihang University team. Now on their fourth generation of their UAV, they feel the future of the program looks bright. This May, when observers verified their endurance record, instructor Wang Yaokun told reporters: 

"I am more than happy to create a new world record and witness its birth with all teachers and students again. Tempus fugit, how time flies! Unconsciously, we have strived together for over 1,000 days and nights. We have encountered lots of difficulties, such as violent storms and severe weather. However, they never stop the pace of our scientific and technological innovation, nor resist us from pushing the limits of mankind!”

"Today we have broken the world record again, which not only represents the breakthrough of our team in the field of UAV, but also shows the improvement of Chinese university students’ ability of technology research and development. Every student strengthens the whole team. The zeal for aviation enterprise and the fighting spirits of exploration and innovation of every student are the essential key to breaking the world record again!”

FMI: www.fai.org