Operation time is a very important indicator for unmanned aerial vehicles. So, increasingly, the design of these drones are powered by solar panels. Test one of these models was recently conducted by specialists of the Chinese Academy of space aerodynamics (Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, CAAA). They have developed a drone capable of speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour and stay aloft for up to several months.
Chinese aircraft received the name Caihong-T4 (CH-T4), and it has a wingspan of 40 meters and a maximum flight altitude of 20 kilometers. For flight used 4 a pair of electric motors with propellers powered by solar panels installed on top of the wings of the device. Also CH-T4 has a double tail, and each wing is able to slightly change shape depending on flight conditions. The weight of the drone is almost 500 pounds. Battery charging takes place in the daytime, and their stock is enough to CH-T4 continued to perform its function and night. As reported by the designers, when flying at the maximum height scope “eye” of the drone is about one million square kilometers.
It should be noted that this is not the first or even the largest aircraft of this type. Holding the palm of the NASA Helios Prototype UAV with a wingspan of 75 meters and a maximum altitude of 30 kilometers. This kind of drones even got a special name “atmospheric satellites”. They are ideal candidates for reconnaissance and surveillance.
Presents drone is solar powered, able to fly a few months
Vladimir Kuznetsov