Skydweller completes initial flight test campaign

Skydweller Aero has successfully completed an initial flight test campaign of its Skydweller Unmanned Aerial System. 

The series of uncrewed flight tests – with the two longest being 16 hours and 22.5 hours – were launched from the company’s facility at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi.

Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and co-founder of Skydweller, said: “This flight test campaign is an important achievement and validates our business vision, marking a new era in autonomous aviation.”

This campaign represents a further step in demonstrating the feasibility of remaining airborne for weeks, potentially months, using solar energy and batteries. It was operated under a Joint Concept Technology Demonstration by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering and funded by a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division to evaluate autonomous maritime patrol aircraft.

“Skydweller Aero is redefining what is possible in the aerospace industry, and the data gathered that validates our models for multi-day fights is a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation,” added Miller. “We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what uncrewed solar-powered aircraft can achieve and will continue on with our mission to bring perpetual flight to the world.”

Barry Matsumori, president and chief operating officer of Skydweller, added: “We have accomplished a major milestone toward demonstrating the feasibility of perpetual flight by leveraging the trillions of dollars in global research and development investment in solar energy, battery storage, and the handing and manufacturing of extremely strong, ultra lightweight carbon fibre assemblies. As these subsystems improve, we will continue to leverage them for the benefit of our customers.”