Up, up, and away!

A congratulations is in order for The Zephyr, a solar-powered aeroplane capable of enduring over 14 days of non-stop flight, nearly 13 days more than any other unmanned air flight. With its eternal aircraft capabilities, The Zephyr, weighing in at 110 pounds, uses thin, cheap, and light-weight solar panels to maintain air-flight at over 70,000 feet without the need to refuel. Its panels recharge lithium-sulphur batteries throughout the day, powering the aircraft’s engines at night. Although this aircraft was built in the UK, current testing is taking place at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, where it will take off once again to beat its own 14 day super-record.

With the ability and endurance to fly at high altitudes, The Zephyr could be used for reconnaissance purposes without hurting the environment as much as fuel-engine aircrafts. Military drones are limited by capability due to their refueling needs. Earth-observing satellites are unable to continuously circle areas repeatedly. So this special aircraft will fill the hole that other technologies cannot. Watch a video of the zephyr here.