Solar drone powered entirely by the sun remained airborne for an uninterrupted span of three days, marking a first in aviation history.

SkyDweller Achieves Historic 3-Day Flight with Renewable Energy

In a groundbreaking development for the aviation industry, the SkyDweller aircraft, a solar-powered drone, has successfully completed a 3-day flight without the need for traditional fuel resupply. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the evolution of SkyDweller and a transformative moment in aviation history.

The flight, which took place under the guidance of the Naval Air Warfare Center's (Nawcad) Aircraft Division, saw the SkyDweller aircraft demonstrating its ability to adapt to turbulent weather conditions, make autonomous decisions in real-time, and maintain secure communications. Remarkably, the aircraft was able to fly at night using its 17,000 photovoltaic cells, storing excess energy in batteries for use during the dark hours.

The SkyDweller aircraft, designed by the Oklahoma-based company SkyDweller Aero, boasts a wingspan wider than a Boeing 747 and is an impressive 160 times lighter. This solar-powered drone, capable of reaching altitudes up to 13.6 kilometers, is poised to revolutionize logistics, particularly in contested environments where traditional refueling poses too great a risk.

The Department of Defense views long-duration, renewable energy-powered drones as crucial for future conflicts where fuel resupply may not be feasible. The SkyDweller, designed to stay in flight for up to 90 days, could potentially remain airborne for weeks, making it an invaluable asset for monitoring drug trafficking, security threats, and maritime challenges, as well as for environmental monitoring, territorial control, and public safety operations.

The Italian counterpart to this technological advancement is the solar-powered aircraft project by the Politecnico di Torino, derived from the prototype "Amelia". Supported by former astronaut Maurizio Cheli, the Italian team's solar-powered aircraft is intended for similar purposes, focusing on environmental monitoring, territorial control, and public safety operations.

Leonardo, a leading aerospace and defence company, is supporting the U.S. manufacturer SkyDweller in developing their solar-powered long-range drone. By combining Leonardo's aerospace expertise with innovative drone technology, the partnership aims to enhance performance and capabilities, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.

Longer tests for the SkyDweller aircraft are planned for this summer in the Southcom region, further demonstrating the potential of renewable energy to power technologies once thought impossible. As we look to the future, the SkyDweller's historic 3-day flight serves as a beacon of what is possible when innovation and sustainability converge.

Solar drone powered entirely by the sun remained airborne for an uninterrupted span of three days, marking a first in aviation history.