It is said that wartime research and development can deliver lasting benefits to mankind in terms of technological breakthroughs. While some may consider that a dubious statement, there is no doubt that nothing loosens government purse strings like a war.
This is certainly true of the latest solar-powered spy plane being developed by Boeing’s Phantom Works Program for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Boeing say that the SolarEagle unmanned surveillance aircraft will be able to fly non-stop missions for up to five years without ever touching down for maintenance or refuelling, all thanks to its sophisticated solar photovoltaic energy system.
“SolarEagle is a uniquely configured, large unmanned aircraft designed to eventually remain on station at stratospheric altitudes for at least five years,” said Pat O’Neil, Boeing Phantom Works program manager. “That’s a daunting task, but Boeing has a highly reliable solar-electric design that will meet the challenge in order to perform persistent communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from altitudes above 60,000 feet.”
During testing, the SolarEagle demonstrator will remain in the upper atmosphere for 30 days, harvesting solar energy during the day that will be stored in fuel cells and used to provide power through the night. The aircraft will have highly efficient electric motors and propellers and a high-aspect-ratio, 400-foot wing for increased solar power and aerodynamic performance.
The US Department of Defence has granted Boeing an USD$89 million contract to develop the SolarEagle. The prototype is expected to take off on its maiden voyage in 2014.
Earlier this year we reported on a similar craft slated for development, called the Silent Sentinel.
