SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


Huge Solar-Powered Plane Could Spend Months in Air


Skydweller Aero promises to revolutionize aviation for armed forces. ::


BY MARISA HERMAN O


klahoma’s rich aviation history that dates back to the early days of aerospace is adding a new chapter


to its storied flight log, thanks to Skydweller Aero, which plans to build the world’s largest fleet of autonomous, solar-powered aircraft capable of staying in flight for months at a time. The Oklahoma City-based


aerospace technology company already boasts one unmanned aircraft that has successfully completed two long-duration flights. “This is really going to be


game-changing technology,” said Skydweller Aero co-founder and CEO Robert Miller. “We are building the world’s largest solar-powered aircraft.” With a wingspan that is larger


than a 747, the aircraft is made out of carbon fiber, weighs as much as a Ford F-150 pickup truck, and is capable of carrying heavy payloads — all without a crew on board. During two recent tests launching


from the Stennis International Airport in Mississippi, the craft completed a 16-hour flight and a 22.5-hours-long trip.


70 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JANUARY 2025 The latest accomplishment is


the next step in defining a new era in the aerospace industry where an uncrewed, solar-powered aircraft is capable of ultimately achieving perpetual flight at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Eventually, Miller said the goal


is for the aircraft to remain in flight for months at a time, all powered by advanced solar energy technology. Skydweller’s first customers are


largely expected to be governmental and military agencies that are interested in integrating cutting-edge technology into their portfolio. “Working and supplying tech


for our national defense is very important,” Miller said. The company recently entered


into an agreement with NASA that will enable it to test its autonomous aircraft at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, where it can access certain capabilities, use restricted airspace, and receive support. Miller indicated that the U.S. Navy,


along with several other European allies, have expressed interest in the company’s zero-emissions aircraft that are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Because Skydwellers require


minimal personnel to operate, it is estimated that the cost of deploying a Skydweller on a long mission is anywhere from 10 to 100 times less expensive than a conventional aircraft tasked with the same manifest. It can also take on riskier


endeavors because there is no risk to a flight crew. The company’s website describes


various uses for the aircraft, including detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea, providing aerial coverage above war zones, surveilling naval activity in contested waters, and even tracking wildlife migration. “There are lots of different use


cases,” Miller said. While he anticipates the


aircraft will initially be used for surveillance and bolstering national security, he sees an opportunity for the technology to also be used commercially, specifically in telecommunications upgrades. Skydweller has inked a partnership


with Telefonica, one of the largest mobile phone companies in Brazil, to eventually digitally connect more phones globally. With millions of people only


having access to 2G or 3G network connections, Miller said he could see his aircraft helping to directly connect people to ultra-high bandwidth internet access of 4G or 5G.


©SKYDWELLER AERO


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