The U.S. Navy has completed a successful three-day nonstop flight of a solar-powered unmanned aerial system (UAS), according to a Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) update issued on 29 July.
Conducted in partnership with Skydweller Aero, the 73-hour continuous flight from Stennis, Mississippi, demonstrated the Skydweller UAS’s ability to sustain solar-powered flight while maintaining communications, autonomous operation, and responsiveness to changing weather conditions.
“This demonstration is a prime example of how NAWCAD partners with industry to deliver what the fleet needs,” said Rear Admiral Todd Evans, Commander of NAWCAD. “It also reflects the technical depth of our workforce and our ability to translate ideas into capability.”
The test validated Skydweller’s energy management system, showing that it could achieve a positive energy balance while in flight. It also confirmed the platform’s suitability for integration into maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) networks.
“Integrating Skydweller into the Navy’s ISR architecture creates a layered and resilient network that maximizes the capabilities of all our assets,” said Bill Macchione, Special Purpose UAS lead at NAWCAD. “This collaborative approach ensures we have the right platform for the right mission, optimizing our resources and enhancing our overall maritime domain awareness.”
The Skydweller UAS is designed for wide-area, persistent surveillance. Its ability to remain airborne for days without refueling enables traditional manned or high-performance systems to focus on time-sensitive or technically demanding missions.
NAWCAD began experimenting with Skydweller in 2020 in response to operational challenges faced by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), including illicit trafficking and border security. The persistent flight capability supports efforts to monitor large maritime areas continuously, providing U.S. and allied forces with improved situational awareness.
Further testing of the Skydweller platform is planned for later this summer within SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility.
