Russia is building a giant "solar" drone
The development of autonomous aircraft-type drones, which would be capable of flying at an unlimited distance and for an unlimited time, is actively being carried out all over the world. Their flight altitude should vary from 13 to 30 kilometers, which is significantly higher than the levels of civil aviation and excludes accidental collision.
It is assumed that such unmanned aerial vehicles will be able to fly autonomously in the stratosphere from several days to several years, due to the use of solar energy.
The scope of their use is diverse: from monitoring the earth's surface, to observing space and relaying signals. Drones will be able to compete even with satellites, because, unlike them, they do not go beyond the horizon, but have the ability to cruise over a given surface, and are much cheaper in production. In addition, to launch the drone does not require a launch vehicle and a spaceport.
In Russia, work is underway to create a truly gigantic unmanned aerial vehicle that can fly at an altitude of 30 kilometers. The wingspan, covered with solar panels, will be 50 meters, it will be driven by two electric motors. The huge wing area will give the Russian drone a large carrying capacity, allowing it to be equipped with a mass of useful equipment. The project is based on the experience of creating an Owl UAV.
Its enlarged and upgraded version will have a dual purpose. Russian military and special services will be able to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance.
It is assumed that such unmanned aerial vehicles will be able to fly autonomously in the stratosphere from several days to several years, due to the use of solar energy.
The scope of their use is diverse: from monitoring the earth's surface, to observing space and relaying signals. Drones will be able to compete even with satellites, because, unlike them, they do not go beyond the horizon, but have the ability to cruise over a given surface, and are much cheaper in production. In addition, to launch the drone does not require a launch vehicle and a spaceport.
In Russia, work is underway to create a truly gigantic unmanned aerial vehicle that can fly at an altitude of 30 kilometers. The wingspan, covered with solar panels, will be 50 meters, it will be driven by two electric motors. The huge wing area will give the Russian drone a large carrying capacity, allowing it to be equipped with a mass of useful equipment. The project is based on the experience of creating an Owl UAV.
Its enlarged and upgraded version will have a dual purpose. Russian military and special services will be able to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance.
- https://media.wired.com
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