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LOOP Home -> LOOP News -> 2007 -> October -> 10

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10 OCT 07: ZEPHYR SETS SOLAR RECORD

A SOLAR-powered aircraft has smashed the official world record for the longest-duration unmanned flight.
The 18mt wingspan Zephyr, built by UK defence firm Qinetiq, flew for 54 hours during tests. The company says it's the first time a solar-powered craft has flown under its own power through two nights.

"This aeroplane is going to go a lot higher and a lot further," Chris Kelleher, Zephyr's technical director and 'pilot', told BBC News. "You ain't seen nothing yet.

"The aircraft was flown on solar power and charged its batteries during the day, discharged its batteries during the night, and remained aloft the following dawn when the cycle was repeated."

In 2010, Swiss balloonist Bertrand Piccard plans to launch Solar Impulse, a manned plane in which he will attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The aircraft will have a huge wingspan of 80m - wider than the wings of an Airbus A380.
W: www.qinetiq.com
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