SOLAR-POWERED unmanned-air-vehicles (UAVs), are being developed by Israeli companies for use on intelligence-gathering and early-warning missions. The Israeli ministry of defence is financing part of the development.
The effort is classified, but some information emerged when Aero Design & Development released details of a solar-powered UAV which successfully underwent a 1h test flight.
Solar panels are attached to the wings, which have a span of 5.5m. The prototype is capable of carrying a payload of 1kg, too small for military applications. The company says that the programme's aim is to develop a solar-powered UAV with an endurance of one year and an operating altitude of 65,000ft (20,000m).
Israel has for some time been attempting to develop efficient, long-endurance, unmanned platforms which have high-altitude capabilities.
Israel wants to use high-flying solar-powered UAVs for spying.
Source: Flight International
