The main problem with most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is that the time of their Autonomous work is relatively small. Many engineers and scientists are trying to solve this problem on its own. For example, researchers from mit presented their own drone that runs on gasoline. Surprisingly this story is that the drone is able to fly without refueling for five days.
If we talk about drones-the record, to date, holds the palm is the brainchild of a company called Qinetiq Zephyr, can autonomously fly for 336 hours (two weeks). But the problem is that this drone is directly dependent on solar energy, and it was designed to float solely on a great height. And it imposes on the scope of some limitations. The drone, created by engineers at MIT are able to fly at low altitudes, using as fuel is ordinary gasoline.
Engine mounted on a drone has a capacity of 5 horsepower, and the weight of the aircraft is 68 pounds. Wingspan is equal to 7.3 meters. Because of the size and weight of the apparatus have to run to take off from the roof of a speeding car. The UAV is able to move additional cargo weighing up to 9 kilograms, which enable it to be used in various fields. But the creators of the UAV see the future of his invention in monitoring the environment.
It was originally planned to provide the UAV with PV, but the idea was quickly abandoned, having decided to resort to good old internal combustion engine. Drones on solar energy efficient in the summer, but at night and in cloudy weather they are useless a bit. In the winter, as well as at a great distance from the equator such drone elementary is not enough sunlight for normal operation. The first prototype of the drone on gasoline was collected in may. The first tests were successful and now the team will start its drone at a great distance, and also reduce its weight from 68 to 25 pounds.
Created drone on gasoline, capable of flying for five days
Sergey Grey