New unmanned aircraft

[wet1]

A new solar powered aircraft is in its test phase. When ready this aircraft, dubbed the poor man’s satellite, will be able to stay aloft for months at a time. The 242 foot long flying wing is shaped like a boomerang and the top surface is covered with solar cells. 62,000 of them! Later this summer it is hoped to set a new unmanned altitude record of 98,500 feet. More than 3 times higher than commercial aircraft fly at present.

The craft cost $15 million (not exactly in a poor man’s price range) and was built by NASA and AeroVironment, a California company. The solar cells are capable of generating 40 kilowatts or enough to power 5 homes for a day.

Once tests are over it will be fitted with fuel cells allowing it to retain a charge during the night. It also has military applications, as it can not be detected by radar.

 

[kmguru]

Somewhere I read that if it works well, they could use a fleet of them to replace old satellites for broadcasting due to its high power.

Good Idea.

 

[wet1]

Particulary to remote areas though bounce/retransmit. Not only is it capable of this but changing out a payload would merely be a matter of bring it down for the time needed to do the job, run a quick maintance check while at it and return its station.

Another use would be monitering hurricanes and storms, or even for fishing, or temperature monitering of sea, land, or whatever needed observing for a period of time.

Anyone have any idea of other uses?