As much as we’d like to see solar powered planes, flying above our cities, that’s just not a viable solution at the moment. However, British scientists (others, too, of course) are researching ways of building the sustainable plane and came up with a solar powered spy plane that managed to set an unofficial record – longest duration unmanned flight – by staying in the air for three and a half days.

Dubbed Zephyr, the ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre aircraft is actually a hybrid that uses solar power during the day and rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries while flying at night.

Because they needed a lot of sun, the trial flight took place between July 28 and 31 in the Sonoran Desert where the temperature went up to 45 Celsius degrees. Launched by hand from the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the plane flew on autopilot and reached an altitude of more than 60,000 ft. It stayed in the air for exactly 82 hours and 37 minutes.

When will we see Boeing or Airbus flying on solar power? Not anytime soon I suppose.

If you're new here and you like our articles, how about subscribing free for our updates via RSS feed.

Related posts:

  1. Air France Plane Missing (Flight 447), 228 People On BoardAn Air France plane on its way from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, has been reported missing over the Atlantic Ocean, with 228 people on...

  2. ElectraFlyer C – an Electric Plane That Actually Flies Though I knew technology allows it we’ve never featured any electric planes in here. ElectraFlyer C, is an all electric airplane based on a...

  3. The Solar Powered 6 in 1 Robot – an Entertaining OptionThe current challenge for mankind is to seek the advantages of alternative energy. We are not quite sure whether we have reached a level where...