The Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, recently conducted an unmanned test flight of Skydweller’s solar-powered drone that flew for 73 straight hours without returning to earth.

Conducted over nine days, officials with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) flew the drone for almost 220 hours, with the longest uninterrupted period being a three-day stretch in which the drone used its solar panels to recharge batteries during the day and keep flying nonstop throughout the night.

“This demonstration is a prime example of how NAWCAD partners with industry to deliver what the fleet needs,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “It also reflects the technical depth of our workforce and our ability to translate ideas into capability.”

Skydweller’s drone is a car

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