British UAS smashes endurance record and is still going.

The Qinetiq Zephyr has been airborne for 7 days...and Its still flying.
I believe they are going for two weeks. It took off last Friday from the Yuma testing grounds in Arizona at 1440 BST (0640 local).



The Zephyr is the creation of Hampshire-based defence and research company QinetiQ.
Launched by hand, the aircraft flies by day on solar power which is then used to recharge the lithium-sulphur batteries, which are used to power the aircraft by night.
The aircraft can provide a low-cost, persistent surveillance capability over months rather than days.
Zephyr's programme director Jon Saltmarsh said: 'The team has worked tirelessly over the past few years, making truly significant leaps forward in overall design and construction - and to see it successfully soar into the sky was fantastic.
'By being able to remain over a location for weeks or months at a time, it can usefully deliver a host of practical and more affordable solutions to both civil and military customers

Around 50 per cent larger than the previous Zephyr, technical changes now mean it has a 22.5m wingspan to accommodate more batteries that are combined with a totally new integrated power management system.

Launched by hand, the aircraft flies by day on solar power delivered by amorphous silicon solar arrays no thicker than sheets of paper that cover the aircraft's wings.

These are also used to recharge the lithium-sulphur batteries which are used to power the aircraft by night.

The entirely new aerodynamic shape and high 'T' tail also contribute to reduce drag and improve performance.

Zephyr's ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre design also means it weighs in at just over 50kg.
Unlike conventional manned or unmanned

You can find the time aloft on this site:
http://www.qinetiq.com/global.html

cool, looks like a LSA taking off!

OH NOSE!!! NOW THE GOVERNMENT CAN SPIE ON US FOR MONTHS!! Oh shizz....time to hide the HE!

Insane Mercc wrote:

OH NOSE!!! NOW THE GOVERNMENT CAN SPIE ON US FOR MONTHS!! Oh shizz....time to hide the HE!

This configuration is actually expected to be able to fly "forever".

What about maintenence and whatnot?.....I really don\'t want them watching me when I walk the dog if I say on here I own weapons grade plutonium...

Insane Mercc wrote:

What about maintenence and whatnot?.....I really don't want them watching me when I walk the dog if I say on here I own weapons grade plutonium...

I'm pretty sure most of the components minus control surfaces and engine are solid state...and the engine itself is very low RPM.
Seems like it doesn't need maintenence all the frequently.

Are you trying to scare me Durkee...remember...I know the general area that you live...

Insane Mercc wrote:

Are you trying to scare me Durkee...remember...I know the general area that you live...

Only goes like 30 MPH...hurry, you can still get away!

Quote :

Only goes like 30 MPH...hurry, you can still get away!

(slips and smashes head on floor running to his truck)

Teabag, Teabag, Teabag.

That thing is pretty beast..I guess they have to land it during storms tho?

Since im sure the oublic could also access the materials needed to build this at not to high a cost I can see it being extremly usefull for farmers to patrol thier land with.

Things like these could also be amazing for border control since they can maintain 24/7 surveilence.

Zane wrote:

That thing is pretty beast..I guess they have to land it during storms tho?

Since im sure the oublic could also access the materials needed to build this at not to high a cost I can see it being extremly usefull for farmers to patrol thier land with.

Things like these could also be amazing for border control since they can maintain 24/7 surveilence.

Sure thing. The great thing is that it flies so high that it's not effected by weather until it's landing.
I'm wondering how well it'll handle in high winds and rain though, it seems flimsy.

Iono it kinda reminds me of the flying sticks..pretty durable. I guess it depends on the solar panels.At that weight wind is going to have a pretty big impact on it...and since then engine isn\'t that powerfull it wont be able to fly into the wind.

Basicly this thing is a glider and I expect it behaves the same.

SnoSnipe wrote:

Teabag, Teabag, Teabag.

HAHAHA