Important Innovations Collection

Zephyr S Flying Non-Stop For Nearly 3 Weeks                                                       Source:  Airbus Zero Emissions Flying Airbus' solar-powered, non-crewed airplane Zephyr S has been flying non-stop for about 20 days gliding on numerous routes from Arizona to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and Belize in Central America. The unique aircraft is designed to fly in the stratosphere for months at a time.  The pace is a leisurely 30 knots (estimated).  The solar plane is a drone and a pseudo-satellite. A primary purpose for the aircraft is to serve as a sensor platform for the US military but the potential uses go way beyond that. Big Capabilities According to France-based Airbus, Zephyr is a truly revolutionary piece of aviation technology.  They say it will bring new "see, sense and conn...

Skywalker Can Fly for 90 Days Straight                                             Source:  Skydweller Aero New Green Travel Technology The US Navy is developing, in conjunction with aerospace company Skydweller Aero, a breakthrough solar powered plane that is pilotless and can fly nonstop for 90 days straight.  It is called Skywalker and the solar technology powering the plane is spectacular.  There are 2,900 square feet of solar cells on the wings which generate 2 kilowatts of power.  The solar plane can soar nearly 46,000 feet into the air and cruise at 100 knots.  The potential uses for this aircraft are fascinating.  It can serve as a conceptual technology platform for green commercial air travel in the future.  It will be used as a communications platform for the US Navy to monitor and communicate with naval ships....

BAE System's PHASA-35 Solar Aircraft Source:  BAE's Prismatic  Potential to be Airborne for a Year  British defense giant BAE Systems just unveiled and test flew a solar powered, unmanned aircraft called the PHASA-35.  The plane, designed for the military, has the potential, according to BAE, to remain airborne for a year without ever touching down.  PHASA stands for Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft.  It's a unique EV that could usher in a new form of green flying. Satellite Replacement One of the many things fascinating about this new solar electric aircraft is the potential uses.  BAE says it's an affordable and persistent replacement for satellites.  They add it can be used for communications, 5G networks and surveillance.  The highly advanced EV can avoid bad weather by soaring into the stratosphere. Maiden Flight The plane was built in collaboration with BAE subsidiary Prismatic that is located in Slo...