Navy Flight Shows Potential For Extended Ocean Patrols

Skydweller Aero, headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, announced the recent completion of a 74-hour flight of its unmanned, solar-powered aircraft in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. The flight was conducted over the Gulf of America and represents a major advancement in unmanned aircraft technology.

The accomplishment was praised by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), who congratulated the company on its groundbreaking three-day flight.

Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of ODAA said, “This accomplishment by Skydweller Aero shows how Oklahoma’s aerospace sector is delivering innovative solutions with global impact. We’re excited to support companies like Skydweller that are advancing unmanned flight and strengthening America’s leadership in aerospace technology.”

The solar-electric aircraft’s flight demonstrated the potential for long-duration, solar-powered operations for military missions such as extended ocean patrols, tracking vessel movements, and gather intelligence without the use of any fuel.

Other long-duration missions include advanced search and rescue, tracking illegal fishing operations, drug smugglers, and pirates at sea, aerial coverage over warzones, and monitoring wildlife and poaching activity.

The aircraft stayed aloft using just solar energy to power its engines and operated autonomously with human supervision. It securely transmitted imagery and data from over the open ocean.

The carbon fiber aircraft is actually designed to stay airborne for up to 90 days. Its payload capacity is 800 lbs, borne on a wingspan of more than 200 feet.

RuthAnne Darling, Director of the Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Innovation Office said, “This is the first time Skydweller’s solar-electric aircraft has flown continuously through a full diurnal cycle of sunshine and darkness, showing their energy budget closes under real-world conditions. This was an important step to show that month-long operational flights in places like INDOPACOM are possible in reality — not just in modeling.

“Our office sponsors purposeful demonstrations like this to accelerate and transition innovative capabilities that project power with increased time on station and larger payloads, fostering sustained operational reach. We are excited by Skydweller’s success.”

FMI:  www.skydweller.aero/