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10mo ago

Breakthrough Solar-Powered Drone Achieves Continuous Flight

Chinese researchers develop ultra-light drone capable of indefinite flight using sunlight and electrostatic propulsion

Its creators say the CoulombFly was able to maintain sustained flight in an hour-long endurance test without any drop in performance. Photo: Handout
Computer generation that demonstrates how CouloumbFly's rotor ring powers for sustained flight
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Overview

  • The CoulombFly drone weighs just 4.21 grams and is propelled by an efficient electrostatic motor.
  • It can maintain flight for an hour under natural sunlight without performance degradation.
  • Researchers aim to use this technology for communications, search-and-rescue, and surveillance.
  • Current limitations include mechanical failures and the need for nighttime energy sources.
  • Further development is needed to increase payload capacity and flight control capabilities.